NOAA Appointee From Oregon State, Home of the Wave

The National Oceanic and Atmosperic Administration (NOAA) plays an important role in the permitting process for wave and hydrokinetic projects.  Interestingly, Jane Lubchenco, professor of marine biology and zoology, who’s been named by President-elect Obama to head NOAA as reported here, hails from Oregon State University, a pioneer in the study and development of wave energy, as well an OREC member.  In September, OSU’s Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center received a Department of Energy grant of $1.25 million, which will be combined with state funds, the Oregon Wave Energy Trust, the University of Washington, and other sources to create a total of $13.5 million over five years to advance the generation of energy from waves, ocean currents, and tides.