HDR Partners with OSU to Permit Marine Renewable Energy Test Facility
Site Receives FERC license, Is First of its Kind on US Pacific Coast
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued Oregon State University a license to build and operate the first commercial-scale, utility grid-connected wave energy test site in the U.S. HDR supported OSU through the FERC licensing process and led development of the FERC license application documents for the unprecedented marine renewable energy test facility.
“This is a significant milestone for Oregon State and for PacWave, but it is also an important milestone for the industry, because of the project’s approach to addressing environmental uncertainty and its overall commitment to advancing the state of marine renewable energy,” said PacWave Project Manager Justin Klure. “The knowledge developed during this process and the precedent set for how to approach new projects like this will likely be used for years to come.”
As part of developing the FERC license application, HDR completed an applicant-prepared environmental assessment as well as a draft biological assessment which evaluated potential effects to species listed under the Endangered Species Act. The engineering firm also supported OSU with development of environmental monitoring plans and mitigation measures, and with agency consultation and strategic planning. HDR conducted environmental and cultural resource surveys for the terrestrial portion of the project.
Located seven miles off Oregon’s shoreline, PacWave South offers wave energy developers the opportunity to try different technologies for harnessing the kinetic energy of ocean waves and transmitting it to a local electric grid. The facility will feature four test berths that could collectively support the testing of up to 20 wave energy converters and associated moorings, anchors, subsea connectors, subsea power and communication cables, and onshore facilities. Power and data cables buried below the seafloor will connect the ocean test site to a shore-based facility. PacWave South will enable developers to test wave energy conversion devices and collect interconnection and grid synchronization data.
About HDR
For over a century, HDR has partnered with clients to shape communities and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Our expertise spans more than 10,000 employees in more than 200 locations around the world — and counting. Our engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services bring an impressive breadth of knowledge to every project. Our optimistic approach to finding innovative solutions defined our past and drives our future.
