Oregon Opens First Large-Scale Wave Energy Testing Site in Continental U.S.
The first large-scale wave energy testing site in the continental U.S., PacWave South, has opened off the coast of Oregon. This milestone in green energy development received a key approval from the Trump administration. The facility, developed by Oregon State…
Fort Myers Naples, FL, August 26, 2026 —
PacWave South, the first large-scale wave energy testing facility in the continental United States, has officially opened off the coast of Oregon. This development marks a significant step forward in the advancement of green energy technologies.
The project, spearheaded by Oregon State University, received a crucial approval from the Trump administration, paving the way for its establishment. PacWave South is designed to serve as a testing ground for various companies seeking to develop and deploy technologies capable of generating electricity from the power of ocean waves.
Once operational, the innovative wave energy devices tested at this site will be able to connect directly to the local electricity grid, contributing to the renewable energy supply. The facility aims to accelerate the innovation and commercialization of wave energy, a sector with substantial potential for clean power generation.
Despite the opening of the testing site, the deployment of the actual wave energy devices has experienced delays. These delays are attributed to funding issues that have impacted the readiness of the technologies to be installed and tested at the new facility.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
