OSU PacWave South

Located in Seal Rock, Oregon, OSU PacWave South is a groundbreaking project that supports the advancement of wave energy technology through large-scale testing and research. Spanning 1,695 acres offshore, the site accommodates up to 20 commercial-scale Wave Energy Converters (WECs), with the ability to deliver 20 megawatts of power to Central Lincoln PUD.

Gerding Builders was proud to construct the onshore facilities for this first-of-its-kind project, which includes three specialized buildings totaling 18,000 square feet. The Power Conditioning Building (9,800 SF) and the Switchgear Building (3,840 SF) are pre-engineered metal structures housing key electrical infrastructure. The Control Building (4,250 SF), a wood-framed structure on a slab-on-grade foundation, serves as the control center.

PacWave South also includes extensive medium-voltage electrical work critical to grid connection—such as terrestrial vaults, switchgear, relay panels, ground wire grids, and medium-voltage cabling. Site improvements involved major earthwork, paving, utility connections, storm drainage, sidewalks, fencing, and erosion control.