Oregon has just applied to build a wave power plant off the coast. Yes, waves. They’re more than just something to smack you down at the beach; they contain “energy,” that amorphous concept that seems so important these days. And unlike fossil fuels, waves are not made from decayed plant and animal material from 200 million years ago. And unlike fossil fuels, waves don’t pollute. And unlike fossil fuels, waves may actually benefit from global warming (more melting, more energy, more waves).

Here’s a diagram of how it works that looks like it came straight from a science textbook.

Treehugger: Wave Power Project Planned in Oregon