Converting Ocean Energy into Electricity
A Seattle-based company is hoping to convert the motion of the ocean into electricity. Grays Harbor Ocean Energy Company has called for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for permits to harness energy from waves off the coastline of six states.
In all, the company would build seven harnessing sites – in federal waters off California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island – each covering about 100 square miles.
Taken collectively, Grays Harbor said the $28 billion project would be the greatest renewable energy project in the nation. The firm expects to pay for the project largely with private investment, but is also seeking federal help.
In a Dec. 3 letter to FERC officials, Grays Harbor president Burton Hamner said the company’s plan would “help federal agencies develop effective agreements regarding management of ocean renewable energy projects.”
However, the permissions can expect to face a long, complex government approval process. FERC spokeswoman Celeste Miller said Friday there is a 60-day public comment period on the proposals that began Nov. 28…
Though the Grays Harbor applications are for wave power only, the sites could also support wind turbines that would call for additional government approval. [...]
via Converting Ocean Energy into Electricity | Energy Business Daily.
