There’s money to be made off wave energy along the Oregon Coast.

The future of clean, renewable ocean wave energy will be discussed in depth at the Ocean Renewable Energy Conference to be held in North Bend on Sept. 25-26.

Gov. Ted Kulongoski has made the development of wave energy a priority and the Oregon Innovation Council designated $4.2 million to support the responsible development of this emerging industry.

Part of that funding established the Oregon Wave Energy Trust, a private, not-for-profit organization that is integral to the state’s overall effort to be the leading authority of renewable wave energy. OWET’s goal is to have wave energy producing at least 500 megawatts of energy by 2025 for Oregon consumption. Utilizing today’s technology, 500 MW would encompass fewer than 5 square miles of ocean space.

State officials hope the conference will offer community members and wave energy leaders a chance to collaborate on how to develop the industry.

Guest speakers at the conference include representatives from coastal communities, industry, environmental and state and federal governments.

 The conference will be held at The Mill Casino-Hotel. Registration and conference details are available on the Oregon Wave Energy Trust Web site at http://www.oregonwave.org.