OSU Expert to Speak on Wave Energy Possibilities for Coast

NEWPORT, Ore. - One of the world's leading researchers in the quest to harness ocean waves to generate electricity will give a free public lecture at Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport on Friday, May 26, beginning at 7 p.m.

In a presentation, titled "The Promise of Wave Power," Annette von Jouanne, a professor of electrical engineering and computer science at OSU, will explain how ocean wave power can be tapped to provide a reliable and clean source of affordable renewable energy.

She will also discuss the developing opportunities for the state of Oregon to become a leader in wave power, and the implications for Oregon's coastal communities.

Wave energy research and developments advanced by von Jouanne, OSU professor Alan Wallace, and their students in the university's College of Engineering have gained widespread attention from industry and policy makers increasingly interested in alternatives to the nation's current dependence on oil and other fossil fuels.

"This remarkable technology is part of my vision for energy independence and renewable energy in Oregon," said Gov. Ted Kulongoski during a visit to the Corvallis campus last month.

Making the case that waves have several advantages over other forms of renewable energy such as wind and solar, von Jouanne points out that even with seasonal variability, ocean waves are more available, more constant and more predictable.

"Ocean wave energy enables a straightforward integration into the electric utility grid to provide reliable power," von Jouanne said. "Waves also offers much higher energy density than something like wind energy, extracting more power from a smaller volume at consequent lower costs."

Recognizing the need for partnership with fishermen and crabbers who ply Oregon's coastal waters, the OSU wave energy team consulted commercial fishing industry experts and worked though the Port Liaison Project to bring in additional ocean technical expertise and input on wave park siting issues.

The May 26 talk by von Jouanne is co-sponsored by the Economic Development Alliance of Lincoln County and the Yaquina Bay Economic Foundation, in cooperation with the Friends of HMSC.