Energy
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Work on an OSU-led wave energy test facility will be visible from shore
Oregon State University is constructing a wave energy testing facility off the Oregon Coast and, weather permitting, some of that work will be visible from shore this month.

Oregon Department of Energy launches heat pump incentive program aimed at rental housing
The Oregon Department of Energy's Oregon Rental Home Heat Pump program will provide rebates to landlords to install cooling units to their rental properties.

Portland State professor to study effects of energy transition on hardest-hit communities
A Portland State University professor received $650,000 to study the positive and negative impacts the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy has on communities, wildlife, water and land.

Eugene removes an ordinance restricting some natural gas hookups from the upcoming fall ballot
The Eugene City Council voted Monday night to repeal a measure that would have banned natural gas hook-ups in new low-rise residential buildings.

Portland approves public electric vehicle chargers in more areas to close equity gaps
Portland City Council unanimously approved the Bureau of Transportation’s EV charging in the right of way project, which will increase public charging stations in areas of the city that currently lack the infrastructure.

Oregon churns out renewable energy, but needs batteries to store it
In Oregon, some utilities have begun ramping up renewable energy to meet the state's clean energy goals, but there’s a problem: The energy generated from these sources can only be used when the wind is blowing or the sun is shining.

Eugene becomes first city in Oregon to restrict natural gas in new residential construction
Starting this summer, developers will have to use electric appliances and power when building new residences of three stories or less.

Pacific Northwest ‘hydrogen hub’ pitch to federal government treated as top secret
The states of Washington and Oregon have submitted a joint bid to the U.S. Department of Energy to get a share of $8 billion that Congress set aside to launch "Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs" around the nation. But good luck trying to learn what exactly the bi-state bid entails, other than the safe presumption that at least one industrial hydrogen production facility would be subsidized.

New federal climate law could boost Pacific Northwest green businesses
Companies large and small around the Pacific Northwest say they are excited by growth opportunities that may flow from the climate, healthcare and tax package signed by President Biden on Tuesday. Turbocharged federal spending could benefit the region’s green energy sector in particular.

There’s a surge in Pacific Northwest homes powered by the sun, but do your homework so you don’t get burned
Solar power installations on home rooftops are surging in Oregon and Washington state. Alongside, you may have noticed an uptick in ads pitching rooftop solar, or even gotten an in-person solicitation. Some of the sales pitches contain dubious or potentially misleading claims. And now, consumer watchdogs are urging homeowners to do their homework before signing any contract.