Abstract
This report considers and prioritizes the potential technical cost‐reduction pathways for offshore oscillating water
columns in both terminator and point absorber configurations designed for ocean resources. This report focuses on
cost‐reduction pathways related to the device technology rather than environmental monitoring or permitting
opportunities. Three sources of information were used to understand current cost drivers and develop a prioritized list
of potential cost‐reduction pathways: a literature review of technical work related to oscillating water columns, a
reference device that was developed through the Reference Model project and was augmented with data compiled
from literature sources, and a webinar with each of three industry device developers. Data from these information
sources were aggregated and prioritized with respect to the potential impact on the lifetime levelized cost of energy, the
potential for progress, the potential for success, and the confidence in success. Results indicated the four most
promising cost‐reduction pathways include advanced controls, improved power conversion, an optimized structural
design, and array optimization.