Firm applies for permit to study wave electricity

A company based in Washington has requested a permit to conduct studies into using wave power to generate electricity, it has emerged.

If granted the permission, Grays Harbor Ocean Energy will spend a number of years examining the possibility of using waves off the California, Hawaii and the Atlantic coasts for electrical energy needs.

Overall, seven sites could be established for the purpose, including areas off the coasts of Hawaii, San Francisco, New York and Massachusetts and could generate a total of 7,700 megawatts of power, company officials stated.

Burton Hamner, president of the firm, said that the idea is modelled on those previously established by a UK firm.

Meanwhile, for those living in Melbourne in Australia, water is a precious commodity, it seems.

The country's water minister Tim Holding this week announced that 500 fewer litres of water were used by residents in 2008 than 2007, but the area is still living beyond its means when it comes to supplies.