Alternative Energy in Portland

Turbines in the water pipe, credit: oregonlive.com

In an article from The Oregonian's website, writer Kelly House reports on an energy generating water pipe located right in Portland. The pipe is courtesy of all local sources, and the company overseeing the project is called Lucid Technology, now based in Portland. The idea for this device is to have four turbines located inside of the city's water pipe, using the flow of the water to spin the turbines, thereby creating electricity. This has the power to provide energy to about 150 homes.

This seems like a really great alternative energy source. It's using a resource that is already there and easily taken advantage of, without having to interfere with anything or supposedly cause harm. I think it's innovative and creative. And similar to wave energy and hydropower energy. Water is awesome like that.

Although the Portland pipe is only their second project, apparently the CEO of Lucid is in talks about taking this technology worldwide. I think it's great that such a small alternative energy company is getting worldwide attention (if only a little) and that word is spreading about the accessibility of these energy alternatives.

Source: http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/01/portland_company_that_built_ci.html#incart_river