Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) in Pennington, New Jersey, says it has completed the first-ever grid connection of a wave energy device in the United States at Marine Corps Base Hawaii on Oahu. The grid connection uses OPT’s PowerBuoy systems to produce what the company calls utility-grade, renewable energy that can be delivered compliant with national and international standards.
The PowerBuoy (pictured right) is part of OPT’s program with the U.S. Navy to develop and test the company’s wave energy technology. The project began as a Small Business Innovation Research program at the Office of Naval Research. That program called for demonstrating system reliability and survivability, and successfully connecting with the electrical power grid serving the Marine Corps base.
The PowerBuoy was first deployed on 14 December 2009 about three-quarters of a mile off the coast of Oahu in water depth of 100 feet. The PowerBuoy has so far operated and produced energy from over 3 million power take-off cycles and 4,400 hours of operation. The PowerBuoy’s grid connection was certified in 2007 by an independent laboratory, Intertek Testing Services, as compliant with national and international standards, including safety standards.
The wave power project in Hawaii underwent an extensive environmental assessment by an independent environmental firm in accordance with the National Environment Policy Act that resulted in a Finding of No Significant Impact, which the company says is the highest rating assigned.
Hat tip: Treehugger
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