Is wave energy comparatively sustainable in Oregon?
• This essay provides a snapshot of sustainability and acceptability of wave energy and eight other electricity-generating energy sources in Oregon. Since “sustainability” is an important point of view in decision-making, the paper is centered around the concept. Although there is no consensus on the definition of sustainability in the academic world, three dimensions have been widely articulated: economic, ecological and social sustainability. Above these three dimensions lies political institutions that shape the overall concept of sustainability. We approach political institutions by discussing energy policy typology and developmental stages of the U.S. energy politics. Then, the paper develops three sets of indicators to characterize or operationalize sustainability. Using this framework, sustainability matrices are generated to summarize what has been found for all energy sources. Although more research is needed to determine how sustainable wave energy would be versus other sourc
