Oregon Power Technologies (OPT) has been approved to move forward on their Oregon site, 2.5 miles off of Gardiner, OR as the first wave power station licensed by the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Under the FERC license, OPT will be able to install up to 10 buoys, generating an estimated 1.5 megawatts. The project represents a significant step in a step-wise, adaptive management strategy. Starting at a small scale to further understand the project impacts and viability of the devices, cables, buoys and interactions with other ocean users. Surfrider Foundation played a key role with other environmental groups in Oregon during the licensing process to reach a settlement agreement, that helps to guide this adaptive management strategy. Read more.
