On Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019, PMEC Co-director and Oregon State University Associate Professor Bryson Robertson provided expert testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space and Technology about the importance of federal research funding for advancing marine renewable energy. Robertson was part of an Energy Subcommittee hearing titled, "Water and Geothermal Power: Unearthing the Next Wave of Energy Innovation."

Other water power witnesses on the panel included David Solan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Renewable Power in the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), and Sander Cohan, Director of Innovation at Enel Green Power North America. The hearing emphasized the untapped potential of marine energy as a renewable power source, the critical need for federal research dollars to support the emerging marine energy industry, and the essential role of DOE funding to keep the U.S. competitive with other nations.

Robertson closed his prepared remarks with a comment on educating and training the next generation of energy leaders and maritime innovators. "As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and resource-stressed, it is the important role of universities, colleges and training programs to develop the talent base and workforce who understand the technological, environmental and social co-dependencies needed for true innovation."

A recording of the hearing is available on the Committee's website or below.

Banner photo credit Paul Gay