Marine Renewable Energy | Oregon Sea Grant

An illustration of types of ocean energy showing wind turbines and wave energy machines.

Illustration: U.S. Dept. of Energy, NREL

Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) is a source of renewable energy that is generated from the forces of the sea, such as waves, winds, and tides. In Oregon, two emerging marine renewable energy technologies are being explored off the coast: marine hydrokinetic energy (e.g., wave power) and floating offshore wind energy. Both are still in the early stages of research, development, and planning. Oregon Sea Grant’s primary role is to provide science-based information about marine renewable energy to help communities, Tribes, and other interested parties understand the opportunities and challenges of the emerging coastal industries. Through various engagement programs, such as webinars and educational workshops, we aim to provide information to help increase public understanding and improve civic-readiness towards marine renewable energy decision-making, planning, and development in Oregon.

Feature Stories

OSU-led project receives $2.5 million to study community perceptions of offshore wind energy
Cable installation set to begin for OSU-led wave energy testing facility off Oregon coast
Dept. of Energy awards $25 million for wave energy technology testing at Oregon State facility

An illustration of a wave energy test system off shore with cables running under the water to devices that capture wave energy.

Conceptual image of completed PacWave South wave energy test facility.

Resources

National Sea Grant Offshore Wind Energy Liaison
Tethys Database: Environmental Effects of Wind and Marine Renewable Energy
PRIMRE: Marine Energy Basics

Videos

Community Benefit Agreements Webinar

Marine Renewable Energy in Oregon

Oregon Department of Energy - Ocean-based renewable energy in Oregon
Oregon Coastal Management Program - Offshore wind energy leasing
Department of Land Conservation and Development - Oregon Offshore Wind Energy Roadmap
Burea of Ocean Energy Management - Oregon renewable energy activities
Pacific Marine Energy Center (PMEC)
PMEC - Current research projects
PacWave - Wave energy test site

A woman smiles at the camera with a floral bush in the background.

Sara Swett

Sea Grant Extension Marine Renewable Energy & Communities

Sara Swett is an Assistant Professor of Practice at Oregon State University and an Oregon Sea Grant Extension specialist in Marine Renewable Energy and communities. She works with communities, Tribes, and other interested parties to understand their needs, preferences, and concerns regarding marine renewable energy (MRE) development in Oregon. Through engagement and education programs, she helps increase public understanding of MRE technology, decision-making, opportunities, and challenges.

A woman smiles at the camera with yellow leaves in the background.

Valerie Berseth,

Sea Grant Extension Specialist in Human Dimensions of Coastal Systems

Valerie is a sociologist focused on understanding how communities interact with coastal and marine environments. By working closely with local communities, coastal planners, and policymakers, her work helps bridge the gap between research and coastal decision-makers on issues like climate adaptation, fisheries, and conservation. Located in Corvallis, Valerie explores how people's social, cultural, and historical backgrounds shape their views on important issues facing Oregon’s coastal communities and Tribal Nations.