Wave Energy Claim
Sonoma County seeks to use waves in coastal zones to develop wave energy power. A stretch of 41*12 miles has been assigned for this project. During the first three years, the zone will be running technology tests, the holder of a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission permit then may apply for commercial operation.
Sonoma Country is stepping into this technology before private companies are claiming the prime stretch of the coast for their purposes. It will be the seventh pending wave-energy application on the Californian coastline, but none of them has been granted. Oregon saw four permits granted.
The only FERC hydrokinetic permit granted in California is for an underwater turbine to be turned by tidal currents somewhere near Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco Bay or just outside the bay. Still in the study stage, it is a joint venture by the city of San Francisco, PG&E and Golden Gate Energy Co.
There are quite some technical challenges to this technique. However, the Sonoma County supervisor is optimistic and will devote a study to the environmental impact of the tidal and wave energy applications.
