Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Wave energy technology advances

Want cheap, green energy that doesn't produce CO2? Scientists have developed a new device that captures wave energy using more efficient technology.

Now it's time to ask whether we want to build wave energy parks on our coasts. The developers of the new technology think we could meet 10% of the energy needs of the state of Oregon with wave energy, using only a small portion of Oregon's coastline.

What do you think? Should we build wave energy parks? What if we take this further, and what if we could eliminate CO2 production and eliminate threats to coral reefs, would it be worth developing our coast?

There's no easy answer, but I think we can't afford to "just say no" to coastal development that can help us fight climate change.

2 comments:

Derik said...

I would support this influence on American energy. Unfortunately, my own state is thousands of miles off the coast and landlocked, so what weight could my opinion carry?

Unknown said...

@Derik - Glad to hear you are supportive, you don't have to be on the coast to be an advocate for wave energy & renewables.
@Mark - The challenge of the industry is that there are still a lot of uncertainties on all levels, from regulation to environment to technology, because it is still so new. I agree we should find a way to get to 'yes' by being responsible in the development process, particularly regarding the impact on environment & local community. Did you see Surfrider CEO Jim Moriarty's blog post yesterday on ocean energy policy How we can get to 'yes'? Sounds like you two were both thinking along the same lines.