Bridging Innovation and Policy in Marine Energy: An Interview with Jason Busch of POET

Interview: Jason Busch on the Future of Marine Energy and Practical Sustainability

At Net Zero Compare, we focus on practical, cost-effective solutions for companies working to stay compliant with sustainability regulations. In our ongoing interview series, we spoke with Jason Busch, Executive Director at POET (Pacific Ocean Energy Trust), about the evolution of marine energy technologies, offshore wind viability, and the value of decentralizing energy generation.

Karol Kaczmarek (Net Zero Compare):
Jason, you’ve been deeply involved in offshore wind and maritime decarbonization for many years. Can you briefly share what drives your work in this space?

Jason Busch (POET):
I’ve been active in what I call “marine energy” since 2007, though that term often refers narrowly to wave or tidal energy. POET initially began as a state-funded nonprofit—Oregon Wave Energy Trust—and I took over in 2009. Over time, our focus expanded to include all forms of clean ocean energy, including offshore wind, as well as other related technologies such as carbon sequestration technologies and broader blue economy initiatives. Our core mission remains to promote energy resiliency through ocean-based technology and policy solutions.

Karol:
What are the main programs POET administers today?

Jason:
We manage two major federal contracts: TEAMER (Testing Expertise and Access for Marine Energy Research) and the University Marine Energy Research Community (UMERC). TEAMER is the larger of the two, a $40.6 million initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). It allows fast-track funding (up to $200,000 per project) for marine energy technology developers to gain access to world-class experts and to test their innovations at research labs and facilities across the U.S. Importantly, the funding goes directly to the facilities, not the companies—helping move projects forward without bureaucratic delays. Since the program began in 2020, TEAMER has supported over 180 projects with marine energy developers based all over the world.

Karol:
Is the DOE currently your only customer, or do you see a role for private-sector engagement?

Jason:
Yes, for the two programs, all funding comes from DOE’s Water Power Technologies Office. However, the beneficiaries are typically private-sector developers who use the program to test specific components or systems. About 40 contracts are active at any time, supporting iterative R&D from startups and tech companies working on wave and tidal energy systems.

Karol:
From your perspective, what’s the most commercially viable ocean-based renewable energy today?

Jason:
Offshore wind, without question. It’s already commercialized—particularly in Europe and Asia—and represents the most immediate ocean-based energy solution. Wave and tidal energy are promising, but still not fully mature. That said, we’ve built a wave energy test site in Oregon called PacWave, which should see machine deployments by 2026. Tidal energy is slightly ahead of wave energy in terms of development and deployment.

Karol:
What makes wave energy more complex to commercialize?

Jason:
Unlike tidal, where turbines are relatively standardized, wave energy solutions vary widely depending on geography, water depth, and wave regime. There’s no single “right design,” which slows down industry consolidation. The sector still needs another decade of maturation before commercial-scale deployment becomes routine.

Karol:
How does marine energy fit into corporate decarbonization strategies?

Jason:
All renewable energy sources—marine energy included—contribute to decarbonization by reducing dependency on fossil fuels. But marine energy can offer additional value: grid resilience and localized energy independence in coastal regions, where remoteness increases costs and grid vulnerability. In Oregon, for example, remote coastal communities are at the end of long transmission lines. Deploying wave energy nearshore, even in small arrays, could make these communities more resilient and energy self-sufficient. Combined with battery storage, it’s a practical solution for decentralization.

Karol:
And what’s the most actionable step companies can take today to reduce their carbon footprint?

Jason:
Electrify everything you can. The grid is getting cleaner, and moving away from fuel-based processes is a no-brainer in most cases. From electric fleets to electric heating, companies that electrify now are preparing themselves for a more sustainable and affordable energy future. Beyond that, supply chain emissions—Scope 2 and 3—should also be scrutinized. Even if your company uses clean energy, your suppliers might not.

Karol:
Where can companies learn more about POET or get involved?

Jason:
Our website (https://pacificoceanenergy.org/poet-staff/) is the best starting point. We also host the annual Ocean Renewable Energy Conference, which brings together stakeholders from academia, government, and the private sector. This year’s event is scheduled for August 12-14. We don’t operate like a typical membership organization—we’re a lean team of six people focused on contract administration and sector support. But we’re always open to conversations and welcome inquiries from companies, especially those interested in joining U.S.-based research efforts through TEAMER.

Karol:
That’s excellent. In many ways, POET seems to act as a bridge between government, research facilities, and businesses.

Jason:
I think that’s a good summary of our organization. We help companies understand where opportunities lie, connect them with national labs and other services, and guide them through permitting or partnership issues. Our goal is to ensure that marine energy contributes meaningfully to what I call “Grid 2.0”—a cleaner, more resilient, and affordable energy infrastructure for future generations.

Karol:
Thank you again for this insightful conversation, Jason. We look forward to sharing your work with our audience and highlighting the role marine energy can play in a practical decarbonization strategy.