Oregon State University, in collaboration with the University of Washington, has chosen a new site for the wave energy program off the coast of Newport, which will be the only of its kind in the United States.
After research, development and many years of planning, this local testing site will be available to students and faculty.
“This new site is a testing ground,” said Dr. Ted Brekken, assistant professor in electrical engineering and computer sciences. “The location has already been permitted, the path has been cleared and it is ready for the new technology.”
Through the wave energy program, new technology will be tested in order to further the development of ocean waves into energy.
“Wave energy refers to the moving water particles that enable the technology that converts it into energy,” Brekken said. “This program initially started in the electrical engineering department and has now spread to a number of electrical, mechanical and civil engineering students, as well as marine biology students and faculty.”
The new testing site will primarily be used for the production and implementation of new technology and devices.
“Wave energy buoys will be tested with a few possible configurations,” said Annette von Jouanne, professor of electrical engineering. “For example, the wave energy developer could deploy a device and monitor its power generation using equipment contained within the device.”
Through this process, OSU has also been continuing its work with the Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center.
“This program was established, led by OSU in collaboration with the University of Washington,” von Jouanne said. “NNMREC will be able to help the wave energy developers test, advance and optimize their technologies, including answering important environmental and social questions.”
Not only will this new site benefit the wave energy program and academic research here at Oregon State, but the local area will also be affected.
“This site development will be good for the technology, but for the local community as well,” Brekken said. “Since this is a testing site and isn’t necessarily permanent, we have been in working with the Newport fishing community in terms of development.”
Newport has been known as a fishing town since the 1870s. Today, this area has become a tourist attraction, as well as an increasingly busy harbor.
“We have spent years collaborating with the ocean community, including fisherman, crabbers and recreation to find a low-impact site for them, and that would be suitable for wave energy developers,” von Jouanne said. “Overall, efforts have included building strong support for wave energy at the state and federal levels, in addition to building essential collaborations with the industries, utilities and the community.”
Discussions have been ongoing for two years with the local community and how they will be affected by this new research facility to ensure the testing facility is handled appropriately.
“The site will not necessarily be off limits to other ocean users,” said Kaety Hildenbrand, a marine fisheries faculty member with Oregon Sea Grant. “As part of our continuing outreach to the coastal community, we plan to have a series of dialogues with safety experts and ocean users to discuss allowable uses.”