WAVE ENERGY CO MAKES JOBS

Marine hydro firm OPT awards wave energy project contracts
April 20, 2011 (PennWell via HydroWorld)

"Ocean Power Technologies Inc. is awarding four new contracts to Oregon companies in connection with the manufacture of its PB150 PowerBuoy wave energy generating device and its deployment off the coast of Reedsport, Ore…

"The new contracts, with the previously awarded contract to Oregon Iron Works for the fabrication of the buoy's steel structure takes the total invested by OPT in the local economy to over $6 million, creating or saving up to 100 manufacturing and marine services jobs…"

There is a lot of machinery to be made here. (click to enlarge)

"After the initial PowerBuoy is deployed and tested off the coast of Reedsport, expected later this year, OPT plans to construct a commercial-scale wave power station, consisting of up to nine additional PowerBuoys and grid connection infrastructure, subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals and additional funding…"

There will be maintenance work, too. (click to enlarge)

"The four Oregon companies receiving contract awards are…[1] American Bridge Manufacturing…will manufacture the subsurface floats and tow-out fixtures that are part of the mooring system for the PowerBuoy…[2] Cascade General, a subsidiary of Vigor Industrial, LLC…will perform the final assembly of the PowerBuoy and position it in the Columbia River for towing to the coast…

"…[3] Oregon Iron Works…will perform the insertion and assembly of OPT's innovative and proprietary power take-off and internal electronics into the PowerBuoy spar…Sause Bros. Inc…will assist OPT in the deployment of the PowerBuoy, including towing it from the final assembly site in Portland to the Port of Coos Bay, and the positioning and installation of the buoy, mooring lines and anchors…"