Cal Poly Pier Joins TEAMER Facility Network for Marine Energy Research

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo’s Cal Poly Pier has recently become a part of the U.S. Testing Expertise and Access for Marine Energy Research (TEAMER) facility network, enhancing the testing capabilities for marine energy technologies.

Located in San Luis Obispo Bay at Avila Beach, California, the 3,000-foot-long research pier will serve as one of the network’s initial open water, fixed-platform sites.

TEAMER highlights that the pier offers open-ocean access at depths of approximately 12 meters and is strategically positioned in a semi-protected area behind the Port San Luis Breakwater. The favorable wave and wind conditions create an ideal environment for early-stage wave energy testing.

“The Pier extends 1 km into San Luis Obispo Bay, in 12 m/40 ft of water, providing ample depth for deploying and testing a range of equipment. There is also a 100-gallon/min flow through seawater system for aquaculture and organismal studies. It is a secured facility, with restricted access and loading capacities sufficient to transport large equipment out onto the Pier,” explained TEAMER.

The pier’s location within a commercial harbor, outside special regulatory zones, and its port infrastructure capable of handling large equipment make it an attractive addition to the TEAMER network.

“We are thrilled to introduce marine energy researchers to this unique new facility in the network,” expressed TEAMER.

Currently, TEAMER is accepting applications for requests for technical support (RFTS 16) until June 6, 2025. The deadline for RFTS 17 applications is October 3, 2025. Applicants are required to coordinate with an approved TEAMER facility before submitting their applications.

In a related development, the Surface Engineering & Tribology Laboratory at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) also recently joined the TEAMER facility network.