Cal Poly Pier selected for marine energy research access
The Cal Poly Pier, located in Avila Beach, California, is a marine research facility operated by the university, extending 3,000 feet into the Pacific Ocean. Photo by Dylan Head/Cal Poly.
Research program supports development of wave-powered energy technology
– The Cal Poly Pier in Avila Beach has been designated as the first open-water research pier under a program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy to support wave energy technology development.
The designation comes through the Testing Expertise and Access to Marine Energy Research Program, or TEAMER, which provides wave energy developers with access to U.S.-based research facilities. The Cal Poly Pier, located approximately 11 miles south of the university campus, offers a 3,000-foot-long marine research station with drivable access to San Luis Obispo Bay.
TEAMER, launched in March 2019 and managed by the nonprofit Pacific Ocean Energy Trust, connects technology developers and researchers with facilities to test and validate marine energy technologies. The program supports nearly 50 facilities across the country and has issued 15 rounds of funding and technical support requests. Two more rounds are scheduled this year, with application deadlines on June 6 and Oct. 3.
Unlike other locations that rely on vessel access or test stands in tidal waters, the Cal Poly Pier allows for direct, shore-based deployment of devices such as wave energy converters, sensors and autonomous vehicles. Researchers and organizations using the pier will be able to test their technologies in ocean conditions without the cost and logistics of chartering boats.
“The Cal Poly Pier is set up extremely well to test equipment from an easily accessible, shore-based facility without the expense and complications of chartering vessels,” said Ben Ruttenberg, director of Cal Poly’s Center for Coastal Marine Sciences. “Organizations will be able to design their wave energy or other devices and test them easily. The pier is the perfect launching spot for that important (research and development) work.”
Cal Poly will work with approved applicants to coordinate operations and testing. Students and faculty will have opportunities to collaborate, gaining hands-on experience in marine research and technology development.
As a TEAMER site, the facility is expected to draw interest from early-stage companies, national laboratories and government agencies such as the U.S. Navy. All testing deployments will comply with applicable federal, state and local regulations.
“This exciting announcement marks an opportunity for growth and moving marine energy forward,” said Dean Wendt, dean of Cal Poly’s Bailey College of Science and Mathematics. “Innovative technologies that can provide important, sustainable energy solutions will help provide needed infrastructure long into the future. The university’s marine science infrastructure is proud to play a role in supporting this invaluable research and development.”
For more information, visit https://marine.calpoly.edu/teamer.
