Oregon Wave Energy Trust (OWET) has announced the program for the eighth annual Ocean Renewable Energy Conference presented by the Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center (NNMREC).

Oregon Wave Energy Trust (OWET) has announced the program for the eighth annual Ocean Renewable Energy Conference presented by the Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center (NNMREC). "Community and Industry: Collaboration, Innovation and Opportunity" is the theme of the event that takes place September 25-26, 2013 at the Liberty Theater in Astoria, Oregon.

Over the past two years, Oregon has been engaged in a one-of-a-kind effort to plan for the development of ocean wave energy in our territorial seas. OWET has been proud to represent the wave energy industry and ensure that the territorial sea plan provides a flexible and reasonable plan for accommodating ocean energy. That was a long and often difficult process, but now that it is complete, it is time to look to the future and ensure that this new industry develops sustainably and with the support of Oregonians.

The 2013 conference will be back on the Oregon coast for the first time in four years in Astoria, Oregon. Registration has been reduced by half to ensure the conference is more accessible for people to attend and learn about the industry and participate in the conversation.

Session highlights will include an update from NNMREC regarding research projects and development of the Pacific Marine Energy Center, industry and community perspectives on technology innovation, how we can protect the ocean with good business practices, impacts and opportunities for coastal communities, utility benefits, and creative financing with community involvement.

Don't miss your opportunity to connect with industry and community leaders working to responsibly develop the industry.

Sponsors include: Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center, Portland General Electric, SAIC, Vigor Industrial, and Stoel Rives.

For more information about Oregon Wave Energy Trust (OWET) and the Ocean Renewable Energy Conference VIII, please visit www.oregonwave.org.

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About Oregon Wave Energy Trust

Oregon Wave Energy Trust (OWET) – with members from fishing and environmental groups, industry and government – is a nonprofit public-private partnership funded by the Oregon Innovation Council in 2007. Its mission is to serve as a connector for all stakeholders involved in wave energy project development – from research and development to early stage community engagement and final deployment and energy generation – positioning Oregon as the North American leader in this nascent industry and delivering its full economic and environmental potential for the state. OWET's goal is to have ocean wave energy producing 500 megawatts of power by 2025.

For more information contact:

Cate Millar, Oregon Wave Energy Trust

Email: cmillar@oregonwave.org