Abstract
E2I EPRI is leading a U.S. nationwide, government/industry, public/private collaborative program to assess and demonstrate the feasibility of offshore wave power to provide efficient, reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly electrical energy. E2I EPRI strives to initiate momentum towards the development of a sustainable commercial market for this technology in the U.S. and thus provide economic benefits and job creation. State energy agencies and utilities from four (4) states (Maine, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii) and the Department of Energy (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and E2I EPRI are collaborating to accomplish a project definition study in CY 2004. This study will produce systems designs for wave energy conversion device power plants, performance estimate and economic assessments for one site - wave energy conversion device per state. This scoping effort is intended to provide the information needed by funding decision makers to decide whether or not to proceed to the next phase of work, detailed design, permitting and Financing.
E2I EPRI contacted all known Wave energy Conversion (WEC) Device manufacturers in December, 2004. Information needed to asses the potential application of WEC devices to offshore sites was requested from those manufacturers. The WEC Device information received was assessed and compared in February and March 2004 in order to establish a decision-making basis for the advisors in this project.