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Leona’s Letter –

When one thinks about renewable energy, they often think of wind or hydropower. But do you ever wonder what would happen if electricity was produced by the simple force of the ocean’s waves? Today the world is constantly looking and searching for environmentally sound energy resources. It seems like just yesterday when hydro was the latest and greatest source of power. And yes, the prospect of wind energy is still a viable source, but there could be times when the wind just doesn’t blow. But what in this vast world is consistent no matter what? Waves are there all the time. Bonneville Power Administration, Energy Northwest, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Washington State University and the Makah Indian Tribe have all struck a deal that could turn the power of the ocean’s waves into electricity.

Through an energy pilot project proposed by AquaEnergy Group Ltd., a renewable energy company in Mercer Island, Washington, this one-megawatt pilot project would use four modular buoys placed about three miles offshore to convert wave kinetic energy to electricity. An undersea cable would deliver the power to the shore. The Clallam County PUD who provides more than 95% of emission-free electricity sources are so convinced that they have agreed to purchase all power produced by the project. The pilot project will take place at Makah Bay in Washington. The wave climate is consistently powerful as well as there is a shoreline transmission line and electricity demand in coastal communities.

Speaking of communities, you are probably wondering what the citizen’s think about this pilot program. To date, the support has been overwhelming. There is no opposition to the pilot project from the local population. While it may seem too good to be true, it does appear to be the biggest catch and is receiving federal funding for research and development. “Wave energy is where wind energy was 15 years ago,” said Fred Mitchell, Telecommunications and Power Resource Manager at the Clallam County PUD.

“The hurdles will be a huge milestone to overcome, but anything is possible,” Fred continued. “I know many of you are reading this article and saying to yourself, ’That will never happen.’ Before you say that ask yourself how many people said those exact same words about wind energy?”

Leona Draper
IMEA
Executive Director

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