County commissioners move ahead on wave energy project
By KPIC Web StaffDOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - Douglas County is going ahead with plans to pursue a wave energy project in the Winchester Bay area. Commissioners approved a notice of intent and preliminary application to participate in a wave energy project with a Wave Gen of Scotland. However, the proposed project is different than the one proposed earlier. This one would not have buoys out in the ocean, but would be attached to the jetty. "This project is unique in that it is on the end of the south jetty it is a stable facility that is actually attached to the jetty so there's nothing out in the ocean itself that would be tethered to the bottom with anchors and wires and ropes and all that sort of thing," said County Commissioner Doug Robertson. Robertson said it's the only project of its kind in Oregon. County Attorney Ron Yockim said the company has several in Scotland and Spain that are already producing electricity. "The idea is that we would be the next project along the line, so technology is advancing quickly. This company has the first wave energy facility on the grid. Actually producing power for the marketplace," said Yockim. Commissioner Marilyn Kittelman, who was defeated in the primary election Tuesday by Susan Morgan, was not at the meeting Wednesday morning. However, she sent a letter with a supporter Francis Coggswell to read. "Now is not the time to rush into another project even though it appears it won't negatively affect those uses. I support the exploration of alternative sources of energy but not with taxpayer money," said Kittelman in her letter. Robertson said filing the application doesn't commit the county to any money, but it indicates they are interested. Kittelman's letter explained said she was absent because of her prior commitment to attend a National Association of Counties meeting. |
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February 9, 2012
- Roseburg, Oregon
