News
Catch The Energy!
By Eugene Linden
Published: April 20, 2008 Parade Magazine
Americans suddenly are serious about finding alternative forms of energy. We’re seeking to reduce our need for coal, oil and natural gas, which contribute to pollution and climate change. That’s why utilities, industry and Wall Street firms are investing in “renewables”—energy that is quickly replenished by a natural process, like sunlight. With oil selling at about $100 a barrel and the U.S. dependent on imports from unstable countries, there also are economic and security reasons to develop new energy. Among the sources entrepreneurs are exploring are geothermal, solar and wind power. And with about 70% of the Earth’s surface covered by water, they’re becoming interested in what the tides, oceans, river currents and waves can yield. Here are some of the more unusual projects gearing up around the nation.
THE NORTHEAST
What Lies Beneath
Inventors have long dreamed of tapping into the energy of fast-flowing rivers. Last year, Verdant Power harnessed the force of the East River, which surges through New York City. The company placed six 16-foot-tall turbines on the river floor—generating about 7100 kilowatt hours of electricity at a slightly higher cost than traditional sources. The project was halted for technical reasons, but the turbines will be refitted next month, says Trey Taylor, Verdant’s president. He predicts that the project eventually could supply electricity to more than 8000 homes.
THE NORTHWEST
Catching the Wave
With its rough seas, the Pacific Northwest has long attracted surfers. Now energy companies are trying to catch a wave too. Canada’s Finavera Renewables has the early lead, having installed a 72-foot-tall buoy off the coast of Oregon which uses up-and-down wave motion to drive a piston that generates power. Jason Bak, 34—a former prospector and Finavera’s founder—raised $10 million to pursue his dream of capturing wave power. He describes waves as “the densest form of renewable energy on the planet,” with the potential to supply 5% to 10% of America’s energy. With the first operating license for wave power ever granted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the company’s goal is to produce commercial power by 2012.
THE SOUTH
Current From Currents
The Gulf Stream moves 8 billion gallons of water a second. The current also flows within 15 miles of densely populated Florida. Frederick Driscoll, an ocean engineer at Florida Atlantic University, is among those leading a multimillion-dollar effort to develop waterproofed turbines that will be anchored to the bottom and send power to the shore through cables. Since the energy source is free, Driscoll, says, “it can be cost-effective.” He thinks commercial power will flow within five years and ultimately could supply over 25% of Florida’s electricity.
Eugene Linden is the author of Winds of Change. You can visit his Web site at www.EugeneLinden.com.
