Oregon Power Generation

The recent green movement the country has been experiencing the last few years has created an exigent call to reduce our dependence on dirty sources of energy including coal and natural gas, which contribute to greenhouse gases.

According to the Oregon Department of Energy, in 2003, the state's use of 'green' energy is quite high. The graph to the right shows that hydro electric power supplies the majority of Oregon's electricity needs. Combining all renewable sources of energy totals to 47%, a very high number. Although renewable energy such as wind and geothermal supply a very small amount of energy to the state.

Oregon is a leading state in implementing projects that utilize sea wave power off Oregon's coastal region. Several projects have been submitted for approval to pilot the new methods of generating endless amounts of energy from the ocean's waves.

It is my opinion that Oregon has the potential to be the leading state in renewable energy. If it it's pilot programs with sea wave energy are successful, they could serve as a model for other coastal states on both the west coast and east coast. Furthermore, Oregon is known as an environmentally aware state which could be put to better use by promoting incentives for private and commercial use of renewable energy, including more wind and solar projects.

Read about the current Sea Wave Power Projects in Oregon

Ocean Power Technologies and Oceanlinx Limited

Finavera Renewables