"Harnessing the ocean's energy on a utility scale is a critical achievement in renewable energy technology and this project represents our first step in that direction," said Fong Wan, vice president of Energy Procurement, PG and E. "Wave energy, along with solar thermal energy and biogas generated from cow manure, are examples of the innovative and promising sources of non-polluting, renewable energy PG and E is pursuing as part of our commitment to combat climate change."

Finavera Renewables has initiated development plans for the two megawatt wave energy project to be constructed approximately 2.5 miles off the coast of Humboldt County, California for electricity delivery to PG and E's customers throughout its northern and central California service territory. The power purchase agreement calls for 3,854 MWh of clean, renewable electricity to be delivered annually to PG and E over the term of the contract. The project is expected to offset greenhouse gas emissions by displacing an estimated 245 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually.

"This power purchase agreement with PG and E represents a major accomplishment for Finavera Renewables and the development of commercial wave energy power projects. It is our intent to build wave energy power plants globally that deliver clean, renewable electricity to homes and deliver value to our shareholders. This power purchase agreement is a significant step in reaching both of those milestones," said Finavera Renewables CEO Jason Bak. "This is a huge step forward for offshore wave energy."

During the next two to three years of the permitting process, the overall project design and detailed specifications will be submitted to and evaluated by local, state, and federal regulators and community stakeholders including fishermen, recreational boaters and environmental groups to understand the siting, safety and environmental impacts of the wave energy plant. The licensing process will include all required environmental studies such as impacts on local fish habitat, marine mammal migration routes, and commercial and recreational fishing zones.

Renewable Wave Energy Technology
Finavera Renewables' planned offshore power projects consist of patented wave energy converters that are based on proven, marine buoy technology. Clusters of these modular devices called AquaBuOYs will be moored several kilometers offshore where the wave resource is the greatest. The wave power projects are scalable from hundreds of kilowatts to hundreds of megawatts and are designed to provide clean, renewable energy for large population centers.

Energy transfer takes place by converting the vertical component of wave kinetic energy into pressurized seawater by means of two-stroke hose pumps. The pressurized seawater is directed into an energy conversion system consisting of a turbine driving an electrical generator. The power is transmitted to shore by means of a secure, undersea transmission line.

A cluster of AquaBuOYs would have a low silhouette in the water. Located several miles offshore, the wave power project arrays would be visible to allow for safe navigation and no more noticeable than a small fleet of fishing boats. To view video of the AquaBuOY 2.0 prototype and an animation showing the technology please visit the Finavera Renewables website.

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