WAVE ENERGY GETS CLOSER

Ocean Power Takes Step Toward First Commercial U.S. Wave Farm
Alex Morales, August 4, 2010 (Bloomberg News)

"Ocean Power Technologies Inc., a New Jersey-based marine technology developer, reached agreement with 11 federal and state agencies that draws it closer to installing the first commercial wave farm in the U.S.

"Ocean Power’s agreement with the agencies covers issues including water quality, recreation, crabbing and fishing…The deal is a ‘major step’ toward getting the first wave farm license ever issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, it said."

Oregon is just one of many sites that will support wave energy. (click to enlargy)

"Ocean Power plans to install 10 of its PowerBuoy devices off Reedsport, Oregon, once it gets the go-ahead. The farm would have a capacity of 1.5 megawatts, enough to provide electricity for 1,000 homes."

OPT's buoy is just one of many technologies that will deliver wave energy. (click to enlarge)

[George Taylor, Chair, Ocean Power Technologies:] “This development will help pave the way for the United States to retain a technological advantage in wave power…Wave energy has the potential to create manufacturing jobs in America while providing low-cost clean, environmentally benign electricity to help replace the use of fossil fuels.”

[Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski:] “When the 10-buoy wave power project is built, a whole new industry will be created to benefit our coastal communities…”