Oregon State University deploys prototype wave buoy

See a prototype of a wave energy buoy bob up and down on the water's surface as researchers from Oregon State University study its efficacy.

Read Smithsonian article about OSU electrical engineer & wave energy researcher Annette von Jouanne.

Decision on Cape Wind Soon?

Cape Wind could be the largest wind energy project in the United States. The project has been in the news for almost a decade and has been intensely debated and fought not only along the shores of Cape Cod but also in the halls of Congress with vigorous opposition by the late Ted Kennedy as well as his nephew Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

It should noted that Massachusetts citizens overwhelmingly support the project. In a 2005 survey: 81% of adults supported the project, 61% of Cape Cod residents supported it, and only 14% of adults oppose it.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said he expects to make a decision about the project by April.

You can read more about the Environmental Impact Report here.

Reedsport, OR Settlement Process

Surfrider Foundation continues to be involved in a settlement process with state and federal agencies, conservation groups, fishing groups, and Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) to agree on a precautionary approach to wave energy development off Reedsport, Oregon. Negotiations have developed a draft settlement agreement that includes an adaptive management strategy. This strategy includes study plans that OPT will conduct to identify any adverse effects from the first and second phases of the wave energy project. The company hopes to install one buoy next summer and nine additional buoys the following year. Monitoring of ecological and socioeconomic effects will help inform whether further build-out is warranted. 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.