Marine Renewable Energy

Rhode Island's Block Island Wind Farm is the first commercial offshore wind farm in the United States.
(Photo by Eric Dale Creative/Adobe Stock)

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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

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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

Videos

Marine Renewable Energy in Oregon

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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.

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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.