Powerbuoy photo from Ocean Power Technologies
The news that Reedsport may be home for the first commercial wave energy project on the West Coast is an important development in Oregon’s quest to be a center for renewable energy. But also important, is what’s been going on behind the scenes to make this project happen as smoothly as possible.
For the past few years a large group of stakeholders has met to work out the environmental, recreation and safety issues that will be part of building and operating the Reedsport wave park. A draft agreement was worked out in January and a final version is expected in the mext month or two.
The work draws attention to Oregonians mixed feelings about wave energy. No one really wants to say “no” to what could be an important source of clean, renewable energy for the state. While at the same time, we’re concerned about how wave parks will impact the coastal environment.
