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Technology Comparison
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OPT PowerBuoy® |
Solar PV |
Wind |
Biomass |
Natural Gas and Coal |
| Energy Density |
High.
Approx. 1000 x denser than wind |
Low – Moderate |
Low |
Moderate |
Very High |
| Predictability |
High.
Accurate forecasts days in advance |
Moderate |
Low except in some sites |
Dispatchable, subject to fuel supply |
Dispatchable |
| Capacity Factor |
30% - 45% |
12% - 25% |
20% - 40% |
85% |
50% - 90% |
Visual
Impact |
Minimal. PowerBuoys, in general, not visible from shore |
Unobtrusive |
Moderate |
High |
Very High |
| Potential Sites |
Extensive |
Limited for large capacity sites |
Moderate |
Extensive but permitting process can be lengthy |
Extensive but permitting process can be lengthy |
| Cost Per Kilowatt Hour – Utility Power |
15¢* |
9 - 19¢ |
5 - 24¢ |
9 - 14¢ |
7 - 15¢ |
* Company projected costs on production levels of 400 PowerBuoys per year.
Sources: Levelized Cost of Energy Analysis - Version 5.0, Lazard, August 2011; and Energy Information Administration, Annual Energy Outlook 2011, December 2010, DOE/EIA-0383 (2010). (Note: Wind low-high range reflects on-shore and off-shore generation).
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