The first utility-scale wave energy test facility in the U.S. will be built in Newport, Oregon. The Pacific Marine Energy Center will supply energy to the local power grid.
The test facility will be located about five miles offshore, in the same area as the Ocean Sentinel. While providing power to the local community, the PMEC will allow researchers to learn how well the facility can stand up to storm waves in the Pacific and about any environmental or community impacts.
Wave energy is being tested in many countries, including successful utilities in Mexico and Scotland. The power generation potential is enormous, since waves are continuous, and the environmental impact is believed to be very minimal.
Coast near Newport, Oregon photo via Shutterstock