Wave-energy project advances in Hawaii

A buoy off the Windward Oahu coast that generates electricity using sea motion has been connected to the island's electrical grid, according to the company overseeing the project. New Jersey-based Ocean Power Technologies Inc. said it was the first-ever grid connection of a wave energy device in the United States. The buoy was deployed in December in about 100 feet of water about three-quarters of a mile off of Marine Corps Base Hawaii in conjunction with the Navy.


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FERC cancels permits in San Luis Obispo & Mendocino

On September 23, the Federal Energy & Regulatory Commission (FERC) canceled preliminary permits for wave energy projects off San Luis Obispo, CA and Mendocino, CA. Back in May of 2009, FERC had issued the permits to Green Wave Energy Solutions to study the feasibility of wave energy development in each of these areas. However, the applicant had failed to comply with several timeline requirements, including the filing of progress reports and preliminary application documents (PAD). In addition, stakeholder groups had expressed concern about the lack of community outreach by Green Wave during project planning. Among these were the San Luis Bay Chapter and Mendocino Chapter of Surfrider Foundation, both of which filed motions to intervene at the outset of the permitting process. For more information, please visit www.ferc.gov and search under ‘Hydropower’ for P-13053 and P-13053.

Largest Offshore Wind Farm Opens Off English Coast

Swedish energy giant Vattenfall said the 100 turbines are expected to generate enough electricity to power 200,000 homes.

The 380ft (115m) tall turbines are spread over an area of more than 35 sq km and are visible from the shore on a clear day.

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West Coast Wave Energy Framework Open for Public Comment

Pacific Energy Ventures, under contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is collaborating with stakeholders to develop a Planning & Assessment Framework that outlines environmental information relevant to developing and permitting wave energy projects offshore California, Oregon, and Washington. The project is now focused on collecting stakeholder input on options to address key data gaps. A survey designed to present the draft options and collect stakeholder input is available now through October 7, 2010. Once stakeholder input is collected, the project team will summarize the feedback in a final report to be shared with the DOE and all interested parties.

Click on this link to participate in the survey.