The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) and partners have unveiled America's first pre-permitted proving ground for commercial-scale wave energy converters on the Oregon coast. The PacWave South test facility, operated by Oregon State University, offers developers the opportunity to test their technologies in an extreme open-ocean wave environment and send power to the grid. NLR's accreditation support has ensured PacWave meets international standards, providing crucial third-party validation for performance data collected from WECs. This milestone not only bridges the gap between field validation and commercial viability but also elevates PacWave to an internationally trusted commercial launchpad for marine energy innovation. Developers can apply for DOE funding to mitigate risks associated with open-ocean experimentation and advance marine energy technology.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/09/17/pacwave-opens-a-giant-leap-for-marine-energy/