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Technology Comparison
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OPT PowerBuoy® |
Solar |
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 |
| Load Factor |
30% - 45% |
10% - 20% |
25% - 35% |
50% - 90% |
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¢* |
24 - 34¢ |
8 -16¢ |
14 - 20¢ |
4 - 7¢ |
* Company projected costs on production levels of 400 PowerBuoys per year.
Sources: IEA 2005, “Project Costs of Generating Electricity” (note: Wind low-high range reflects on-shore and off-shore generation), Ernst & Young 2007 “Impact of banding the Renewables Obligation – Costs of electricity production”, Pöyry 2007 “Compliance costs for meeting the 20% Renewable Energy Target in 2020”, (note: exchange rates used, £/$ =1.6 and €/$ = 1.4)
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