Oregon State University researching wave energy opportunities

The Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center (NNWREC), established in 2008, is a DOE-funded partnership between Oregon State University and the University of Washington. Oregon State University is focusing on wave energy research and development, and the University of Washington is focusing on tidal energy research and development.

NNMREC is one of two U.S. Department of Energy National Marine Renewable Energy Centers; the other one is the Hawaii National Marine Renewable Energy Center.

NNMREC has a full range of capabilities to support wave and tidal energy development for the U.S., it is structured to:

  1. Close key gaps in understanding through the support of baseline studies, on-going monitoring, and setting the technical, ecological, and human dimensions standards for wave energy projects;
  2. Educate and mentor the next generation of marine energy-related scientists, engineers, and educators in the U.S.
  3. Facilitate device commercialization through development of standards for validation and evaluation of devices;
  4. Inform regulatory and policy decisions, and
  5. Inform and engage industry, science, and the public.

The Center engages a variety of partners ranging from energy companies to groups interested in the environmental impacts of marine energy.

Image credit: Microsoft Clipart

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Published: September 15, 2010