waves

Posted June 4, 2018

Oregon State University has partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy and other stakeholders to build a wave energy test facility located off the Oregon Coast, between Newport and Waldport, called PacWave.

PacWave, the project formerly known as PMEC-SETS, recently transitioned to the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences (CEOAS), an internationally recognized, comprehensive earth system science program with an extensive history of world-class ocean-infrastructure development.

The move from the Oregon State University Research Office will help advance the project’s mission of establishing a state-of-the-art, accredited grid-connected test facility supporting development of wave energy conversion technologies.

CEOAS has a strong reputation for launching and supporting large infrastructure projects, including the Ocean Observatories Initiative and the next class of regional research vessels. CEOAS will build upon its existing partnerships with coastal communities to support the mission of the test facility and advance carbon-free energy technology.

With $35 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, PacWave* will be the United States’ premier wave energy test facility, providing a one-stop shop for companies developing this innovative technology.

Burke Hales, principal investigator of PacWave, said the Oregon Coast offers several advantages for such a facility. “We have access to one of the most consistently energetic wave environments in the world, with proximity to a highly capable port and concentration of oceanographic and engineering expertise. CEOAS and OSU are eager to apply this expertise to developing a first-of-its-kind facility in the United States.”

The project is currently in the design and permitting phase of development, with construction to follow. PacWave is anticipated to be operational in 2021.

To learn more about PacWave, please contact Dan Hellin: 541-737-5452 or dan.hellin@oregonstate.edu.

*The PacWave project has a conditional challenge pledge that requires Oregon State to raise $10M. Working with the OSU Foundation, the project is seeking financial partnerships with corporations, state government, foundations, and individuals. To discuss potential support or partnerships, please contact Director of Development, Doug Brusa, at doug.brusa@osufoundation.org, or 541-207-8686.


Support for PacWave

Cynthia Sagers, Vice President for Research at Oregon State:
“CEOAS is uniquely positioned to support the test facility.”

Roberta Marinelli, Dean of CEOAS:
“PacWave continues CEOAS’ tradition of excellence in the development and deployment of critical ocean research infrastructure for the research community and the nation.”

Belinda Batten, Executive Associate Dean, College of Engineering:
“PacWave will enable critical testing needed to move this technology forward.”

Merrick Haller, Interim Co-Director, Pacific Marine Energy Center (PMEC):
“PacWave will be the crown jewel of PMEC partner facilities.”

Steve DeWitt, Project Manager, DOE Water Power Program:
“The planned testing capabilities of PacWave are essential for the development of the wave energy industry in the U.S.”

Brian Polagye, Director, Pacific Marine Energy Center:
“PacWave represents a step-change in our ability to accelerate wave energy readiness for markets in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.”


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