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http:// --> Ashland, Oregon HOME Valley & State Sports Nation & World Opinion/Editorial Classifieds Business Columnists Obituaries Weather Archive Hot Topics Forum Photo Gallery Past Readers Polls Revels Etcetera Backpage O-Zone Special Sections Real Estate Guide Menu Guide Shakespeare Subscribe Contact Us Rate Card Place an Ad Online Games Movie Preview October 11, 2006 Proposed wave buoys off coast could power 2,000 homes REEDSPORT — Wave energy buoys proposed for the Oregon coast could generate enough electricity to power about 2,000 homes, supporters say. Ocean Power Technologies has installed smaller, single test buoys in Hawaii and New Jersey. But the larger buoys proposed for Oregon would be arrayed in four rows of 50 for a total of 200, requiring about 1.5 square miles of ocean, according to company consultant Steve Kopf. The meeting was part of the requirements for a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license application by Ocean Power. The port and other Reedsport and Douglas County officials and state agencies have been working with wave energy companies and Oregon State University for more than a year to develop a buoy park off the coast at Gardiner. One of the key advantages of the Gardiner site is the former International Paper mill site that has an effluent pipe that stretches underground to the ocean and an electricity substation already on site. More importantly, Kopf said, is that the easements for that pipe already are in place. Oregon isn't the only state seeking renewable energy sources. California also is seeking alternative energy projects, Kopf said, but Oregon, and Reedsport in particular, has several advantages over California. The abundance of waves is excellent, Oregon offers more financial incentives and, most importantly, there was significant momentum and public support for the project, Kopf said. "We're here because we think Oregon and specifically this part of the cost, wants this type of project," Kopf said. Gov. Ted Kulongoski also supports the project. He has organized a team to help streamline the licensing and development process, headed by Tymchuk and state Sen. Joanne Verger, D-Coos Bay. Kopf said there has been some concern about the loss of fishing area in the wave park. "But we're trying to find a balance," said Oregon Department of Energy spokesman Justin Klure. ------ Information from: The World, http:www.theworldlink.com a Current Comments: Do these buoys float? I mean,that is what a buoy does, right? How will that look. Will it spoil the view? I'm only asking because there is an alternative. Portugal is building underwater wave generators that you don't have to look at and won't disturb the fishing...just an idea maybe, before the beautiful unspoiled coast of Oregon has rows of thousands of buoys. Don't get me wrong,I love anything that gets us off oil and away from the salmon. Just hope they are looking at all the ideas first.. Steve L. Iverson - Ashland, Jefferson - October 12th, 11:18 AM Leave a Comment: Advertisement: Advertisement: Paid Advertising Inkjet Printers Student Loans Water Filter Helzberg Diamonds Mortgage Calculator Security Systems Advertisement: Copyright © 2006 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers. All Rights Reserved.