Oregon Wave Energy Trust

Industry News

Media Inquiries: Cate Millar : 503.781.9966 : cmillar@oregonwave.org

DOE Reports Show Major Potential for Wave and Tidal Energy Production Near U.S. Coasts

January 18th, 2012

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today released two nationwide resource assessments showing that waves and tidal currents off the nation’s coasts could contribute significantly to the United States’ total annual electricity production, further diversify the nation’s energy portfolio, and provide clean, renewable energy to coastal cities and communities. These new wave and tidal resource assessments, combined with ongoing analyses of the technologies and other resource assessments, show that water power, including conventional hydropower and wave, tidal, and other water power resources, can potentially provide 15% of our nation’s electricity by 2030. Today’s reports represent the most rigorous analysis undertaken to date to accurately define the magnitude and location of America’s ocean energy resources. The information in these resource assessments can help to further develop the country’s significant ocean energy resources, create new industries and new jobs in America, and secure U.S. leadership in an emerging global market.

Gov. Kitzhaber’s energy plan seeks big ideas

January 14th, 2012

Governor John Kitzhaber has corralled a group of top thinkers in energy and conservation to draft a 10-year plan for Oregon’s energy future.

The move likely promises new gains in energy efficiency, a road map to cutting greenhouse gas emissions and streamlined siting requirements for new renewable energy projects.

National Ocean Policy Draft Implementation Plan Released

January 12th, 2012

As part of President Obama’s National Policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean, Our Coasts, and the Great Lakes, the National Ocean Council has released a draft National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes. The draft Implementation Plan describes more than 50 actions the Federal Government will take to improve the health of the ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes, which support tens of millions of jobs, contribute trillions of dollars a year to the national economy, and are essential to public health and national security.

Territorial Sea Plan amendment process heads into its final phase

December 20th, 2011

More public discussion is planned before any final decisions are reached concerning development of wave energy projects along the Oregon coast.

And that’s fine with Seaside Mayor Don Larson who wants more time to review how the plans would impact the economy and ocean views in Seaside.

“I am not sure that I want to see a large structure when I look out to the ocean,” said Larson. “I want more information before I can say whether harnessing wave energy will be positive for our area.”

Tying up the oceans raises fresh warnings

December 17th, 2011

By Tyler Graf
As Oregon’s planning agencies continue their process for eventually designating portions of the state’s territorial sea for offshore wave-energy facilities, Clatsop County warns that zoning the ocean outright could potentially restrict the use of the territorial sea.
The state’s territorial sea is the three-mile expanse of the Pacific Ocean that runs like an unraveled.. [read more]

Ocean energy, wave of the future?

December 16th, 2011

State and local officials are expected to emerge from a two-day meeting in Astoria Dec. 15 and Dec. 16 with recommendations on how Clatsop County can play a key role in regulation and development of wave energy projects.

“The plan is to review draft maps and actually look at areas that may be appropriate for such development, but would cause minimal conflict with existing ocean uses,” said Peter Huhtala, Clatsop County Board of Commission vice chair.

Specifically, Clatsop County Commissioners and planners are reviewing efforts to amend the Territorial Sea Plan (TSP) that is designed to manage the resources and activities in the state’s territorial sea from 0-3 nautical miles.

State planning process too slow for one wave energy firm

December 1st, 2011

Oregon has drawn a great deal of interest from burgeoning wave energy companies, but for at least one, the development of sea-ready technology outpaced the state’s planning process.

Aquamarine Power, a Scottish wave energy company, closed its one-person Newport office last month, citing the intensive, ongoing planning process that Oregon undertook in 2008. But that process may ultimately lead to more wave energy investment in the future, according to others in the industry.

Ocean Renewable Energy Industry Needs Input

November 30th, 2011

The State of Oregon, through the Oregon Innovation Council, competitively selected wave energy as Oregon’s next emerging industry. Ocean energy was viewed as a viable source of renewable energy and a tremendous job creator compatible with protecting our important marine environment. The Oregon State Legislature formed the Oregon Wave Energy Trust (OWET) and invested $10,000,000 to date over three biennium budgets to pursue the goal of 2MW of ocean renewable energy by 2015 and 500 MW by 2025.

Vestas Super-Sizing Offshore Wind Turbine

November 11th, 2011

And you thought the REpower turbines now operating at the Ormonde offshore wind complex off northwest England, said to be the largest anywhere with their 60-plus meter blades (matched by an Enercon turbine, it now appears), were mind-bogglingly big. Think again, turbine geek. That’s the fun size, compared to what Vestas is cooking up.

Launch of the Canadian Marine Renewable Energy Technology Roadmap

November 2nd, 2011

The Marine Renewable Energy Technology Roadmap was unveiled today at the Ocean Renewable Energy Group (OREG) 2011 Annual Conference in Montreal today. The Honourable, Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources, was on hand to receive the first printed copy of the roadmap. Designed to secure Canada as a world leader in marine renewable development, the Roadmap outlines Canada’s collaborative efforts to advance the commercialization of marine energy technologies while sharpening its global competitiveness.

For more industry news visit OWET affiliate, Ocean Renewable Energy Group (OREG).

Reaching Out

Did You Know?

Oregon is a leader in wave energy.

Oregon focuses on a collaborative model for getting wave energy projects in the water.

That Oregon’s Coastline is among a few places in the world that has the key elements to tap into wave energy?

That Oregon can enjoy an abundance of energy generated by ocean waves?

That our state contains internationally- recognized experts who are leading efforts to responsibly develop wave energy?

That Oregon has capacity to build, maintain and deliver sustainable wave energy power to the grid?

Have You Heard?

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Membership

Join Us.

Become a member for Oregon’s future.

Why support Oregon Wave Energy Trust?

Wave energy is one key part of the comprehensive alternative energy solution for Oregon. And thanks to a combination of unique characteristics is the only source of energy where Oregon enjoys such a clear competitive advantage. As a result, Oregon’s wave energy industry provides myriad opportunities to deliver significant economic benefits to the state.

Oregon Wave Energy Trust (OWET) works closely with our state- wide stakeholders: fishing and environmental groups, coastal communities and industry, government agencies and other partners in responsibly developing this new industry while establishing Oregon as the North American leader in wave energy. The work that we do is the real benefit we offer our members.

Our Founding Partners

Oregon Wave Energy Trust was funded in part with Oregon State Lottery Funds administered by the Oregon Business Development Department. It is one of six Oregon Innovation Council initiatives supporting innovation and long term economic growth.