Wave Energy System Planned off Maui

An Australian technology company plans to build a system off the northeast coast of Maui that will use energy generated by ocean waves to create electricity, according to a report on www.bizjournals.com.

Oceanlinx Ltd., state officials and utility company executives announced the $20-million project at the State Capitol on Monday and said it will be capable of providing up to 2.7 megawatts of power to Maui Electric Co. The company's patented turbine technology works by harnessing air generated by rising and falling sea swells. The air flow turns the turbine's blades, which generates electricity. Power is then brought ashore through underwater cables to a utility substation. Oceanlinx has similar projects planned in Australia, Oregon and Rhode Island.