US Uncorks $16M For 17 Projects To Capture Wave Energy

coondoggie writes "The US Energy Department this week said it would spend $16 million for seventeen projects to help research and develop energy generating systems from waves, tides and currents. The energy agency says the US could generate up to 1,400 terawatt hours of potential power per year. One terawatt-hour of electricity is enough to power 85,000 homes, according to the agency."

Comments

Money is great, but regulations are the problem

[mveloso]

Get all the money you want, but it's regulatory compliance that's the problem, not the money - at least if this company's experience is any guide.

"Last September, with great fanfare, Ocean Power Technologies began construction on America's first wave-powered utility. Holding the first - and only - wave energy permit from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, OPT had planned to deploy a test buoy off the coast of Reedsport by spring.

But a year after the permit, regulatory and technical difficulties have all but halted the project. Federal regulators notified the company earlier this year it had violated the license after failing to file a variety of plans and assessments."

http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2013/08/oregon_wave_energy_stalls_off.html

One government hand giveth, other hands taketh away.