Oregon State University
ER-16: Faculty Engaged in Sustainability Research

Harnessing the Power of the Ocean In 2008, the U.S. Department of Energy established the Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center (NNMREC), directed by OSU mechanical engineering professor Bob Paasch, a collaborative effort between OSU, University of Washington and the National Renewable Energy Lab. The NNMREC includes researchers from the colleges of Engineering, Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences and Science, along with Oregon Sea Grant, the Cooperative Institute for Marine Resources Studies, the Marine Mammal Institute and the Hatfield Marine Science Center. NNMREC is one of only three U.S. Department of Energy National Marine Renewable Energy Centers. Wind Energy: Thinking Smaller and Thinking Ahead OSU's Energy Resources Research Laboratory is working with the Bonneville Power Administration on wind-forecasting models to determine the most productive locations for wind farms. Forecasting models are also useful in research to capture excess energy generated during peak wind events and releasing the stored energy onto the power grid at times when wind speeds are slow. OSU research also focuses on grid management and integration of renewable energy sources. Modernizing the grid Beyond finding new sources of energy and reducing consumption, OSU energy research also addresses the need to modernizing America’s aging and outdated power distribution infrastructure. This includes scale modeling, control systems, machine learning and networks that support smart grids. These digitally-controlled transmission and distribution systems are designed to be more reliable, energy efficient and economical, as well as able to readily accommodate renewable energy sources. OSU has one of the only grid-scale laboratories capable of testing products for utility performance. Making Solar More Efficient and Manufacturable Materials research is at the core of transforming solar energy technology. Appropriate selection of materials enables new technologies that are inexpensive, highly efficient and reliable. Oregon State University conducts a variety of materials research leading to next generation technologies. Advancements include thin film flexible substrate solar technologies, high efficiency coatings and transparent electronics to optimize solar energy harvest. In partnering with companies like Oregon BEST and Solar World OSU research in solar technologies is expanding at an exciting pace.