Green Power from Waves

THE WHOLE WORLD COULD BE POWERED by a tiny fraction of the ocean’s untapped energy — if it could be harnessed. This is the vision guiding researchers at OSU who are developing and testing devices for capturing energy from waves, tides and currents that can be sent to the electrical grid through underwater cables. The work of OSU researchers such as Annette von Jouanne and Belinda Batten has the support of U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, who has introduced the Marine and Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy Act in Congress. Half of Oregon’s goal for 25 percent renewables by 2025 could be met by wave energy.