The Economist on Wave Energy

Enthusiasm for renewable energy means wind turbines and solar panels are popping up all over the place. But what happened to wave power?

Read the Economist's overview of the challenges of generating energy from waves.

Harnessing the Power of the Gulf Stream

A series of underwater turbines could harness the Gulf Stream's energy, researchers say. Illustration courtesy FAU Florida Center for Electronic Communications

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Florida Atlantic University Center of Excellence on Ocean Energy Technology

Reedsport: Adpative Management

Oregon Chapter of Surfrider continues to be involved in a settlement process with federal and state agencies, conservation groups and Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) to agree on a precautionary approach to wave energy in Reedsport. Negotiations have developed a draft settlement agreement that includes an adaptive management strategy. This strategy includes several study plans that OPT has agreed to conduct to identify any potential adverse effects from the first and second phases of the wave energy project. The company hopes to install one buoy and then ten buoys before a potential build-out to 200 buoys. Adaptive Management ensures that parties reassess implementation of the project at each phase to avoid or minimize degradation to aquatic resources. Initial phases will include studies on aquatic species such as marine mammals, sharks, fish, plankton, and migratory birds. OPT will also study effects of wave energy buoys on recreation, public safety, crabbing, fishing, and cultural resources. Surfrider intends to remain engaged throughout the process to help ensure that adverse effects are addressed appropriately and efficiently.