WAVE ENERGY OFF CALIFORNIA COAST

One step closer to harnessing wave energy for electricity off coast of Montaña de Oro; Company completes the comment period for renewable energy project off Montaña de Oro
Bill Morem, January 19, 2009 (McClatchy via SanLuis Obispo Tribune)

"A potential project for harnessing Central Coast waves for electricity recently cleared a key hurdle, but it may be years before any such system is installed.

"Green Wave Energy Solutions LLC earlier this month completed a 60-day comment period on its proposal to harvest wave energy in 17 square miles of ocean a couple miles off Montaña de Oro State Park…

"The company — which filed for permits [with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission] 1½ years ago — has a similar proposal for a section of ocean off the Mendocino County coast…"

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"According to the company’s application, about 100 megawatts of power would be generated — enough to power 90,000 homes…Prototype wave harvesters off Oregon, Washington, Hawaii and Portugal are currently producing two to three megawatts of power…

"…the company is planning on spending $2 million during the feasibility study stages and perhaps as much as $40 million to install a structure…Green Wave chose the Montaña de Oro location for three reasons: wave production, access to a safe harbor for maintenance and the proximity of Pacific Gas and Electric Co.’s power grid.

"Once a system is identified, impacts on the environment, fishing and navigation — among dozens of other concerns — will be aired and discussed by more regulatory agencies and in town hall meetings…"