Harnessing the Power of Waves and Tides Ocean Energy Harnessing the Power of Waves and Tides

What is Ocean Energy? Using Hydrokinetic Technology to harness energy from the movement of water Waves, tides, and ocean currents Does not require impoundment (dams) or diversion Many different concepts and models Few have made it to installation

OPT’s PowerBuoy device Wave Energy OPT’s PowerBuoy device In Hawaii Two or more independent parts of the device move relative to each other. At least one part is displaced by the waves and reacts with the other device. Many forms: oscillating water columns (OWC), point-absorbers, attenuators, and overtopping devices.

The Pelamis Sea-Snake

The Mechanics

Tidal Energy SeaGen Tidal Turbine Northern Ireland Constructed in 2008 Deployed in a tides or current Captures energy from the flow of water across or through the device to power a generator without impounding or diverting the flow of the water Similar to the way wind energy conversion devices work.

OpenHydro Tidal Turbine

OpenHydro In Action

Benefits Zero GHG Emissions Little Aesthetic Disruption Minimal Impact on Marine Life Predictable, Constant Low long-term costs

Tax Incentives and Government Investment American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Marine Energy Promotion Act of 2009: DOE Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program  NOAA Marine and Spatial Planning Federal and State Subsidies

Costs and Hurdles Very New Technology High Capital Costs Investors are weary of new technology At the stage that wind power was in the 1980s Not currently competitive with traditional energy sources High Capital Costs Limited knowledge and research about Environmental Impact Licensing Hurdles

U.S. Regulatory Process: Jurisdiction Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (previously MMS) – Federal Leases FERC – Licenses for ALL hydrokinetic projects States - Submerged Lands Act of 1953

U.S. Regulatory Process: Licensing Preliminary Permit (a hold) Traditional License Conditioned License Pilot/Prototype Permit Verdant Power: 2005 FERC Order ¶ 61,143

Problems with the Regulatory Process Too Many Agencies Involved State v. federal Environmental agencies Indian Tribes The Response: Coordination Example: California and FERC MOU

A Tale of Two Technologies: Wave Energy Development in the United States

Finavera Renewable Technology: Makah Bay Offshore Wave Project The ONLY wave energy project with a full FERC permit AQUABuoy Technology: As the waves rise and fall, water is pumped through a hose into one of the buoys, powering a small turbine inside.

Makah Bay Offshore Wave Project Required Permits or Consent from: FERC U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs NOAA WA Department of Fish and Wildlife U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Tribal Historical Preservation Office (THPO) Makah Indian Nation WA Department of Ecology WA Archeological and Historical Perspective WA Department of Natural Resources National Marine Fisheries Service

Makah Bay Offshore Wave Project Environmental Studies and Projects Completed Prior to Licensing: Oceanographic study Sedimentation and Current Flow study Electromagnetic Field Literature Review Marine Photography National Environmental Policy Act  and State Environmental Policy Act  Compliance NOAA coordination with state and federal agencies Acoustic output study Eel Grass Analysis Gray Whale/marine mammal migration route analysis

Makah Bay Offshore Wave Project “Permitting agencies were [un]familiar with our technology, so we had to create a permitting process as we went along.” - Alla Weinstein, AquaEnergy Group The Project was abandoned in 2009, citing lack of capital and unfavorable financial climate

Ocean Power Technologies: Power Buoy system The PowerBuoy A piston-like structure moves up and down are the waves rise and fall. The movement produces electricity and is sent to shore by underwater cable.

PowerBuoy Technology Environmental assessment for Pilot Permit met 14 different legal requirements, including: NEPA, the Coastal Zone Management Act, laws protecting marine mammals, migratory birds, fish and wildlife, Native American graves, and coral reefs Completed first grid connection in September 2010 in Hawaii Plans to expand to Oregon and Spain, including large-scale operations

The Future of Ocean Energy The United States is behind Europe in development But we are catching up! Need for investment and subsidies in the short term Need for coordination between developers European Marine Energy Centre Model