Oregon Public Broadcasting’s Oregon Field Guide updates Oregon State University’s research into using the energy of ocean waves to generate electricity. The research, led by OSU electrical engineer Annette von Jouanne, got early support with a small “starter grant” from Oregon Sea Grant.
Since then, Sea Grant Extension agents on the coast have been helping communities learn about the potential benefits – and costs – of wave energy, and serving as liaisons between researchers, power companies and fishermen concerned with how large-scale energy production could affect their livelihoods.