Three wave farms lay claims to very similar titles, all competing for the titles of biggest or first wave farm. Whether it's the media imposing these titles, or the companies heading the projects, they should either do their research or drop the title.

Here's a rundown, beginning with what does indeed seem to be the world's first wave farm.

The "world's first commercial wave farm" in Portugal awaits its launch day, which could be anytime this month, depending on the weather. The engineers need calm seas to haul their equipment offshore. Officials estimate that the project could power 350,000 homes with the use of hundreds of Pelamis Wave Power machines, developed by a Scottish company and named so because they look like sea snakes resting on the waters. For the moment though, they have three.

Another one claiming to be the "world's first large scale wave farm" will be built off the coast of Cornwall and is expected to operate by 2009. It could generate enough electricity for 7,500 homes and save 300,000 tons of carbon dioxide over 25 years.

In Scotland, the "world's biggest wave farm" may power up to 2,000 homes by next year. The prime minister just granted permission for four Pelamis wave energy machines to be moored off Orkney.

Plus a handful of other projects are in the works, just trailing these three big ones.

Wave farms really don't need to compete for some grandiose title or place. The fact that we can harness power from the ocean is cool. Knowing that a wave is allowing you to turn on your lights is pretty rad in and of itself. Forget the contest.