Wave energy testing site opens off Oregon, a green energy milestone in the Trump administration
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PacWave South, a grid-connected wave-energy testing facility off Oregon, opened Wednesday after receiving Energy Department approval under President Donald Trump, creating a new U.S. test bed for marine-power technology. Oregon State University developed the facility, about seven miles offshore near Newport, to let companies test wave-energy converters in open-ocean conditions and send electricity ashore. PacWave Director Dan Hellin said the project passed a federal “go/no-go” review last summer and connected to the grid this summer. The Department of Energy says it has invested nearly $150 million in the facility since 2016. The site is pre-permitted and can eventually accommodate up to 20 converters with 20 megawatts of combined capacity. However, PacWave South has not generated electricity because no wave-energy devices are currently deployed, with federal funding delays affecting developers. The opening is a milestone for an emerging industry, but commercial-scale wave power remains unproven in the United States to date.
More context
Timeline
- On 2011, Oregon State University began developing PacWave for marine-energy testing research.
- On 2012, PacWave North began operating as off-grid test site.
- On July 1, 2020, DOE issued approval supporting PacWave funding.
- On 2021, Oregon State University completed PacWave South permitting for construction approval.
- On 2022, DOE awarded developers funding for PacWave South deployments.
- On early 2025, PacWave South completed its physical construction phase.
- On 2025, federal officials reviewed PacWave under a go/no-go process.
- On summer 2026, PacWave South connected its offshore infrastructure to-grid.
- On August 26, 2026, PacWave South officially opened for developers.
- Over coming months, developers may resume deployment as funding stabilizes.
- Over coming years, tests could support commercialization of wave power.
Why it matters
Immediate US impact: Immediate US impact expands testing infrastructure for domestic marine-energy technologies. Possible long-term US impact: Long-term US impact could diversify generation if wave power matures. Reader priority: Readers should prioritize primary documents, deployment updates, funding decisions, data. Most Affected: Most affected: Oregon developers, researchers, utilities, energy officials, marine manufacturers.
Coverage notes
Left: Coverage may emphasize clean-energy progress and contrast with Trump policies. Center: Coverage may emphasize opening, funding history, grid connection, and limitations. Right: Coverage may emphasize federal approval, national security, and commercial uncertainty.
Primary report
On August 26, 2026, AP published report at 9:05 EDT.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
