Environment & Climate
PacWave South ocean wave energy testing facility opens off Oregon coast
Developed by Oregon State University with federal support, the first grid-connected wave energy test site in the continental United States has officially opened.
The short version
- Oregon State University has opened PacWave South off the coast of Oregon, making it the first large wave energy test facility connected to the continental U.S. power grid.
- The pre-permitted site allows companies to test various wave energy conversion technologies without needing to obtain individual permits for open-water testing.
- Although the facility connected to the grid, it has not yet generated power because delays in federal funding have prevented developers from delivering wave energy devices to the site.
Key facts
- PacWave South is the first large ocean wave energy testing facility connected to the continental U.S. electricity grid.[Associated Press · ABC News]
- The Department of Energy has provided nearly $150 million in funding since 2016 to support the facility's construction and siting.[Associated Press · ABC News]
- The facility received required final approval from the Energy Secretary following a departmental review.[Associated Press · ABC News]
- The pre-permitted testing location supports multiple converter types, including attenuators, point absorbers, and oscillating water columns.[Associated Press · ABC News]
- The Department of Energy cited potential national security applications for wave energy devices, including powering remote offshore sensors and autonomous underwater vehicles.[Associated Press · ABC News]
What remains uncertain
- It is unknown when the first wave energy converter devices will be deployed at the site to begin power generation, as developers are currently facing federal funding delays.[Associated Press · ABC News]