Energy from ocean waves? Major PNW utility signs on for test site

A small test site miles off the Oregon coast will soon generate electricity with the motion of the ocean.

PacWave, as the site’s called, is not expected to produce much energy, but its technologies there hold a lot of potential. And last month the Bonneville Power Administration, which supplies about a third of the Pacific Northwest’s energy, agreed to buy whatever electricity it generates, confirmed Dan Hellin, director of the test site. Electricity could begin flowing by next fall.

The concept is simple: Use the up and down motion of ocean waves (or tides) to move turbines and generate electricity, Hellin said. It’s a consistent source of energy and doesn’t generate any planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions.

PacWave, off the coast of Newport, Ore., started in earnest about 14 years