Humboldt WaveConnectTM Pilot ProjectA feasibility study of wave energy in Humboldt County

Chet JamgochianGreg Pfotenhauer

PG&E Wave Energy Study

• Initiated 2007• Two sites considered– Mendocino County• Dismissed due to inadequate harbor

– Humboldt County offshore Manila

Project Scope• 3 nm offshore, 45m deep• Up to 4 arrays, max of 30 generators• 5MW max total output• 12kV transmission lines to Fairhaven– Gen Tie Infrastructure– Power Conditioning Devices (depending in final agreement)– Subsea Transmission Cable

• 5 cables, one for each array and one spare

• Environmental monitoring buoys– Up to 6 environmental monitoring buoys– Up to 6 US Coast Guard approved markers as navigational

aids

http://cwec.ucdavis.edu/forum2011/proc_open/Forum2011_Caliendo.pdf

http://cwec.ucdavis.edu/forum2011/proc_open/Forum2011_Caliendo.pdf

Technology

• 53 Invitations to WEC manufacturers– 14 responses

• Four types of technology selected– 1. Attenuators– 2. Point Absorber– 3. Oscillating Water Column– 4. Oscillating Wave Surge Converter

http://teeic.anl.gov/images/photos/hydrokinetic_attenuator.jpg

http://cwec.ucdavis.edu/forum2011/proc_open/Forum2011_Caliendo.pdf http://nnmrec.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/Wavebob1.png

http://www.greendiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/1_errgg_22976.jpg

Conclusion

• New technology • Developing regulatory framework • Uncertainty of environmental effects • Conflict with existing uses • High Costs

…Project Suspended