ORE GETS WAVE ENERGY MANUFACTORY

Oregon Iron Works to build PowerBuoy for Reedsport
4 December 2009 (Wave and Tidal Energy News)

"The contract to build first commercial wave energy [Ocean Power Technologies] PowerBuoy® system in North America has been awarded to Oregon Iron Works…[This] represents Phase One of an expected 10-PowerBuoy Reedsport wave power station which will generate approximately 1.5 megawatts of electricity. The nine additional PowerBuoys will be constructed and installed under Phase Two of the project."

[Oregon Governor Kulongoski:] “The partnership that we are developing with OPT and other Oregon companies fits perfectly with our goal of providing jobs for Oregon’s green economy…It’s exciting to see that Oregon has the chance to play a leading role in the development of this global industry and help achieve our national goals of energy security and reduction of our dependence on fossil fuels.”

An OPT PowerBuoy. (click to enlarge)

[Mark Draper, CEO, OPT:] “OPT has identified the Oregon Coast as one of the world’s top sources for future wave energy development, and Governor Kulongoski’s leadership has helped to enable the realization of its potential to create green jobs and prosperous coastal communities. We are committed to responsible development of renewable energy resources, and look forward to playing our part in that positive future. ”

"… OPT is in the advanced stages of completing its first PB150 in the UK for deployment in the Orkneys, Scotland mid next year. The technology development for this device will also be applied for projects in North America."

A PowerBuoy on its side reveals there will be plenty of work for Oregon Iron Works. (click to enlarge)

[Terry Aarnio, Chair, Oregon Iron Works:] “Our workers are helping the Pacific Northwest become the center of excellence in green tech/clean tech manufacturing and we are proud to continue that tradition of leadership in American manufacturing by building the world’s best renewable ocean energy devices for OPT…This project demonstrates that Oregon intends to enhance its environmental reputation by building an economy on the leading edge of the green wave…”