Wave Energy as an Alternative Energy Source

Work produced by Oregon State University shows that wave energy is becoming a valuable and potentially fantastic alternative energy source. It is said to cost less to integrate into the energy grid, and is less variable of a source (i.e. more consistent/dependable). Although it isn't necessarily lucrative at this point, and is still in its infancy, wave energy looks promising.

Usually when new energy sources are integrated into the system, there needs to be a sort of backup reserve for any variability of the new source--Ted Brekken, an associate professor and renewable energy expert in the College of Engineering at Oregon State University, says that wave energy would need little as a reserve because of its lower variability. Another advantage is that the wave energy produced can be reasonably predicted from minutes to hours, and even annually (to a degree).

According to the article, "This study examined the hypothetical addition of 500 megawatts of generating capacity in this region by 2025, which would be comparable to approximately five large wind farms". Though the wave energy work is still underway, the Pacific Northwest (and Oregon State University, specifically) is the leading region in wave energy studies. Just another thing to be proud of, my friends.

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150107140811.htm