Comments on: Renewable energy?

By: Paul

Paul — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 01:18:19 +0000

There’s a company from New Jersey that just put in for permitting to build a 50 MW tidal flow plant off the Oregon coast. Several more are proposed from Maine to Massachusetts and and Washington and California.

Tidal flow generation is similar to wind power in terms of mechanics, just translate the birds getting thumped into fish getting thumped.

By: Lady

Lady — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 16:36:42 +0000

There are animals that live on the shore and in the ocean. On a large scale where would you be able to put these devices without taking away their habitat. Also you would end up taking beaches away from people, and a lot of people would have a problem with that. It is a good idea in theory, and maybe if just about every beach had a small energy plant that way no one eco system was distroyed but the costs invloved would be extreme.

By: Fiercekitten

Fiercekitten — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 04:38:18 +0000

Last month’s issue of Discover Magazine did a pretty good write up various energy sources, including wave generators. They also estimate the potential contribution of each source–it was a good read.

Just reread your question–not sure if you’re talking about wave generators or tidal flow generators. The problem with tidal flow generators, which work like a charm, is the value of coastal real estate in populated areas. Makes it cost prohibitive.

OOPS!! Popular Mechanics–not Discover. Sorry!

By: lolly

lolly — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:47:50 +0000

it’s a great question…. I think “yooperpooper” (great name) is right…too much money to develop the initial technology needed to harness and then deliver this energy…..of course I’m sure it would pay off in the long run.

By: JOHNNY D

JOHNNY D — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 15:13:13 +0000

Enviromentalism is a big obstacle. Make it environmentally safe and you may have an answer.

By: yooperpooper

yooperpooper — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 03:42:27 +0000

it all comes down to $$$