NEWPORT, Ore. — On a cloudy late August morning, a marine researcher was on a boat a mile off the central Oregon coast, discussing the forthcoming connection of subsea cables from the first large wave energy test site in the continental U.S. to the local power grid.
“This is the highest power — probably the most energetic — wave condition of any test site,” noted the expert, as the high swells known to pound the Oregon coast rocked the vessel.
Oregon’s coastal waters are becoming pivotal for advancements in two forms of renewable energy: wave power and floating wind turbines. Traditional electricity generation significantly contributes to climate change, making clean alternatives essential.
While wave energy technology is in an earlier developmental stage than floating wind, its potential remains vast. Research illustrates that marine energy, encompassing power derived from tides, currents, and waves, represents the world’s largest untapped energy resource.
Although progress on floating wind turbines is further along, it has faced challenges. The only feasible method for establishing offshore wind power on the West Coast involves using floating turbines due to deep ocean depths, making traditional installation impractical.
Currently, there are only a few operational floating offshore arrays globally, primarily small pilot projects in Europe and China. The largest, Hywind Tampen, features 11 turbines supplying electricity to Norwegian oil and gas fields. Floating wind projects have yet to be constructed in the U.S.
In 2022, California awarded the first-ever leases for commercial-scale floating wind farms in the U.S. Recently, the federal government issued its first floating offshore wind research lease to Maine, while Oregon’s commercial lease sale is scheduled for next month. These locations are characterized by strong and consistent winds, enabling substantial electricity generation.
However, there is notable opposition in Oregon from tribes, fishermen, and coastal residents. Concerns revolve around the potential environmental harm to marine life, cultural sites, and ocean views posed by the construction of floating wind farms.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has identified two areas for offshore wind development, covering 305 square miles off Oregon’s southern coast, which has attracted significant local scrutiny.
Communities near Coos Bay and Brookings have raised alarms over the impact on marine life and coastal views due to night-time turbine lighting, which would be visible from shore.
In November, voters in two coastal counties will decide whether to oppose the development of floating offshore wind. Additionally, local tribes have filed lawsuits against the federal government, citing insufficient consultation processes.
The BOEM claims to have engaged with tribal representatives, yet many tribes express frustration over the lack of meaningful dialogue regarding their concerns.
Oregon’s wave energy test site, however, has not faced similar resistance, with researchers collaborating with fishermen early in the permitting process to establish the location.
Wave energy test sites enable the deployment of experimental devices in real-world conditions for performance evaluation. While the PacWave South site in Oregon won’t be the nation’s first grid-connected wave energy test site, it will be the first connected to the continental U.S. grid.
Globally, around 40 operational, grid-connected marine energy projects exist, ranging from buoy-like installations to submerged turbines.
With winter waves potentially reaching 20 feet at the Oregon site, peak capacity is estimated at 20 megawatts, sufficient to power approximately 2,000 homes.
The slow progression of wave energy, in comparison to solar, wind, and geothermal sources, is primarily due to the challenges of creating resilient projects that can endure harsh ocean environments and efficiently convert movement into electricity.
“Survivability at sea is crucial,” the researcher explained. “These devices are made of metal and generate electricity in saltwater, which introduces a high risk of corrosion.”
The impact of energy devices on marine life, home to species like gray whales and sea lions, must also be carefully considered.
Oregon’s Governor has been proactive in addressing tensions over wind development and acknowledged that federal processes may have faltered initially. However, the focus remains on exploring renewable energy alternatives, including floating offshore wind, to achieve state climate goals.
“Oregon aims for 100% clean electricity by 2040, demanding more immediate action and new sustainable options, such as offshore floating wind,” she stated. “This represents both an opportunity and a challenge. We must strive to make it happen.”
