Wave energy researchers will focus on the tidal inlets and coastal waves of Alaska as a result of a $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. Until now, the Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center has been a partnership of Oregon State University and the University of Washington.
“Alaska has an enormous energy resource, both in its coastal waves, tidal currents and powerful rivers,” says Belinda Batten, professor in OSU’s College of Engineering and head of the energy center. “Partnering with Alaska Fairbanks will allow us to expand the scope of our energy research and tap into additional expertise, to more quickly move wave, tidal, and river energy closer to commercial use.” (For more on wave energy research, see “Taking Stock of Wave Energy,” Terra, winter 2012.)
