8/18/07

          A proposed wave energy project off the coast of Florence is markedly different from the ideas that have been floating around so far.             

           Austraila's Oceanlinx Limited Firm wants to install ten large platforms that will extend tenty-three feet off the oceans surface.  According to the Register Guard, these wave-energy generators will be installed in an area about a half-mile offshore from Florence’s South Jetty.  In all the entire area of platforms would cover nearly 108,000 square feet. 

            Unlike prior proposals that involve much smaller buoy networks, the Oceanlinx plan will rely on the air flow produced from wavea and not the wave itself to drive the generators.

            Reaction to the plan has been mixed. Gus Gates is member of the non profit Surfrider Foundation.  His group filed a motion to intervene with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which will decide if the project is to be allowed.

            Gates is concerned the whole process of bringing wave energy to the Northwest is moving along to fast.  While he supports wave energy for the future, he says the Oceanlinx plan could significantly effect surfing and fishing.  He favors a smaller, more locally driven project.   

            Oceanlinx is expected to file a license with the commission in three years.