The following is a press release from RCEA for those interested in this wave energy concept.
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On Thursday, April 17, the Redwood Coast Energy Authority will host a public forum on Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s proposed Humboldt WaveConnect project, which if developed could convert wave energy into electricity.
The first phase of this project will include resource, environmental and ocean use studies. If technical results support feasibility, environmental studies show that significant impacts can be fully mitigated and stakeholder considerations can be satisfactorily addressed, subsequent phased development will use wave energy conversion (WEC) devices to transform the energy of ocean waves into clean, renewable electricity.
“There is abundant energy in the waves along the Humboldt coast, and the prospect of harnessing it as a source of clean, sustainable, renewable energy is very exciting,” said David Boyd, RCEA’s Executive Director.
In March, PG&E was granted preliminary permits from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to conduct studies on the feasibility of wave energy development on the North Coast. PG&E is now required by FERC to give a basic schedule of the proposed study activities for the Humboldt WaveConnect project. RCEA has invited PG&E to give an informational presentation on the proposed studies and further discuss the project.
“As promising as this project appears, considering possible impacts to the coastal environment, it deserves a careful review, and we are pleased that process is beginning,” said Boyd. To help kick-off a local dialogue on this project, RCEA has invited key stakeholders from public agencies, community groups and environmental organizations to a public forum which will be held on Thursday, April 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Wharfinger Building in Eureka. The meeting is open to the general public. A Q&A opportunity will follow PG&E’s presentation.
RCEA was formed in 2003 as a Joint Powers Authority, representing seven municipalities (the Cities of Arcata, Blue Lake, Eureka, Ferndale, Fortuna, Trinidad and Rio Dell), the County of Humboldt, and the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District. RCEA’s purpose is to develop and implement sustainable energy initiatives that reduce energy demand, increase energy efficiency, and advance the use of clean, efficient and renewable resources available in the region.
