Portugal’s Ocean Wave Project Becomes Casualty of Economic Crisis
by Reenita Malhotra in Blue Energy, Economics
Portugal, blessed by a lengthy deep-water Atlantic coastline and temperate climate, had until recently the world’s most advanced wave energy project, designed to harness the power of ocean waves for the production of electricity.
Several technologies are in various stages of development to capture wave power. Some of these call for floating structures while others rely on submerged machinery. However, prototype trials have proven costly and complex, and Portuguese companies in the field are in many cases dependent on foreign partners.
The  Wall Street Journal reported last month that the world’s furthest-along wave power project, off the coast of Portugal, has become a victim of the global economic crisis. It was in financial trouble as it’s majority owner, the Australian firm Babcock & Brown, is apparently in bankruptcy proceedings.
But Portuguese specialists insist the investment is well worth it. Cheaper than wind power, wave energy is more stable and predictable.
“While the wind comes and goes as it will, our forecasting capacity with waves is greater,” commented one official with the Centre for Wave Energy.
Other companies however, beg to differ.
According to Northern California Public Broadcasting, energy developers have given up on about a third of the wave-power projects they proposed along the U.S. West Coast, some of them, clearly favor wind energy. Finavera, a Canadian company whose wave-power device sank off the coast of Oregon in 2007 is one such company. Finavera has subsequently decided to focus more on wind power.
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Posted on May 31, 2009
Aguçadora Wave Park, Babcock Brown, Finavera, ocean wave energy, pelamis, Pelamis waves, Portugal Ocean Wave Project, wave energy
About the Author
Reenita Malhotra
Reenita Malhotra Hora is an Ayurveda clinician and freelance writer. Native to Mumbai, she resides in San Francisco with her husband and two kids where she helps people to achieve their wellness goals. Reenita writes for a variety of sustainability media including Green Options, Green Living Ideas, National Geographic Kids, SustainLane and more. Check out her wisdom at www.reenita.com.Subscribe and Share
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