Oregon's New Gold Rush? Wave Energy Parks

Yesterday it was announced that Oceanlinx Limited has started the process of developing a wave energy facility near Florence Oregon. Earlier, Ocean Power Technology started the process near Reedsport. According to Worldlink.com's Susan Chambers, "to date there are 7 projects proposed for the Oregon Coast."

Wave Energy Parks consist of buoys anchored to the ocean floor that ride ocean swells. inside of each buoy is equipment that would harness a portion of the swells' energy, convert it to electricity and transmit it to shore. Chamber's article states that "Some proposals call for up to 200 buoys in a single area, up to about 5 square miles. All must be approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission."

So what are Wave Energy Parkss? Follow the following link to Oregon State University's Motor Systems Research Facility . There are a number of posters taht can be viewed or downloaded.

While this isn't popular with local fishermen, it is a wonderful step towards an alternate energy source and could help stimulate the economies of several depressed Oregon communities. Only time will tell if it is beneficial.

Larry Morris is a loan Officer with Equipoint Financial Network in Newberg, Oregon. He specializes in relocations and Sherwood, Oregon neighborhoods. He can be reached at larry.morris@equipoint.com. His website is www.PDX-Mortgage.com.