More than just a source of fun: an energy resource

Yes, waves are great for a sweet surf, boogie-boarding, and just general beach wading, but if it could be utilized as more than just a recreational catalyst, then why not?

"Wave farms have been tried in such places as Scotland and Australia. All work on the same principle: capturing the motion of ocean waves and turning it into electricity. In recent years companies have developed a vast array of devices, including hydrokinetic buoys that bob in the surf, hulking underwater turbines and huge, partly submerged "sea snakes" — tubes that use wave action to power electric generators. A collection of partially submerged cylindrical devices placed off the coast of Portugal in 2008 was heralded as the world's first wave farm."

I came across this article on the Los Angeles Times site, reporting on the prospect of bringing wave energy harnessing technology to Southern California. I am a proponent of research on wave energy technology, but I admit the article brings up a lot of valid adversarial points, such as
a. residents don't want it
b. there hasn't been enough research/ testing of wave energy generators
c. there is potential for marine life repercussions

Judging by the interviews in the article, it doesn't look like wave energy technologies will be implemented along the Cali. coast any time soon. Unfortunately, beach side residents suffer from NIMBY syndrmee. 

And my response to NIMBY embracers-- would you rather live next door to a power plant? Nuclear energy, an energy technology I consider a cop-out energy source, may end up becoming America's-- even the world's primary energy source.

There are potential repercussions to wave energy generators, there will be externalities. I 100% agree more research needs to be done testing its effectiveness and efficiency. Benefit/cost analyses are needed. As usual, California is the perfect place to test and research its feasibility.Who else has this kind of energy legislation?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

One More! New HGTV article published: The 10 Greatest Cycling Cities in America

Dear readers, I have one more "10 Best" article under my sleeve, and this one is "The 10 Greatest Cycling Cities in America." I love that I was able to write about alternative modes of transportation for HGTV online. It's a topic I am certainly passionate about, and I think there is significance to being able to reach a broad audience through HGTV's network and strong online presence. A lot of in-depth research went into these articles, and I interviewed some really awesome advocates and cyclers. The article is copy/pasted below, including a link to the published article on HGTV's website. If you're into slideshows, I would highly recommend reading the article directly on the site. M The 10 Greatest Cycling Cities in America http://www.frontdoor.com/buy/the-10-greatest-cycling-cities-in-america/pictures/pg518 As oil prices rise and it becomes increasingly challenging to fit daily exercise into our busy schedules, cycling as a mode of tra...
Read more

It doesn't get any more local than your own home

Image
NYT>Home and Garden> Preventing Heat From Sneaking Out of the House Weatherstrip your door utilizing a rubber door sweep. As an urbanite living in an apt. most appropriately described as "livable" in regards to its size, most of Tedeschi's article on weatherproofing a house does not apply to me. A house with an attic and basement? --I'll pass. However, Tedeschi provides a couple valuable weatherproofing tips that too applies to an urbanites apt.: If your doorway lacks adjustable thresholds, install a rubber door sweep (about $7 at Home Depot). Weatherstripping, is also a must, for doors and windows. Mr. Gfeller prefers stripping of various thicknesses (the labels say whether they’re designed for doorways or windows); Frost King’s cost about $4 to $7 a package. Mr. David prefers V-shaped stripping (about $4 from Frost King); this type, he said, breaks down less easily than foam. Thanks for the tips, Pragmatist. This would be the first step in retrofitting...
Read more

Back by popular demand

Image
Due to an uptick in requests for new blog posts, (I mean, it's only been like, two years) I'm starting this thing up again. You could say I'm starting 'from scratch', but that would only be true in one sense. Back to the point- this post is on 'From Scratch' but I'm going in a new direction. In the past two years, and perhaps even longer than that, I've realized that sustainability and environmentalism isn't reading or writing an article, or recycling, it's a way of life. It's an adaption of a mindset and habits. Thus, I'd like to focus my blog on a new concept- I propose "One/Day" or "One a Day", like the women's vitamin, but not in vitamin form. I'm going to post at least  one new thing I learn, discover, re-learn, or just want to share with you guys. There will be less of an emphasis on sustainability or green-ness, and more of an emphasis on a life pro tip to share. Less pressure = more creativity, ...
Read more