Columbia and Oregon State University have a plan to plant buoys off the coast of Oregon that can harness enough wave energy to supply about 20% of the state's electricity. The magnetic part of the buoy is anchored to the sea floor, while an electric coil is secured to the heaving buoy. The modulation of the waves sends that neodymium-iron-born magnet back and forth through the electric coil. Sounds like a great way to gin up some energy.
Feasibility studies are underway, with the researchers planning to set up these direct-drive wave energy buoys using federal funding. We're thinking that's one of the few good ways to put our tax dollars to work.
Wave Energy Parks Could Be Coming To Oregon [Treehugger]