A tidal energy developer has been granted a preliminary permit to study a proposed project in Western Passage, near the city of Eastport, Maine.
Under the Federal Power Act, most grid-connected tidal power projects require licensing by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Section 4(f) of the Federal Power Act authorizes the Commission to issue preliminary permits to allow prospective applicants for a hydropower license time to secure the data and perform the acts required to prepare a license application. A preliminary permit preserves the holder's right to have first priority in applying for a license for the project being studied.
On December 4, 2015, ORPC Maine, LLC applied for a preliminary permit to study the feasibility of the proposed Western Passage Tidal Energy Project No. 14743. As described in that application, the project would include fifteen of ORPC's proprietary 500-kilowatt hydrokinetic marine turbine-generator units for a combined capacity of 7.5 megawatts, along with anchoring and mooring systems, and transmission lines running ashore to an existing distribution line. The materials describe an estimated average annual generation of 2.6 to 3.53 gigawatt-hours.
The Commission granted that preliminary permit by an order dated July 13, 2016. In that order, the Commission addressed comments filed by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Passamaquoddy Tribe, and an individual.
In its comments, the tribe raised concerns over what the Commission calls "site banking". As described by the Commission, the essence of its policy against site
banking is that "an entity that is unwilling or unable to develop a site
should not be permitted to maintain the exclusive right to develop it." In some cases, the Commission invokes its policy against site banking to deny applications for successive preliminary permits.
The tribe questioned whether ORPC Maine should be granted a new preliminary permit when it has held two prior preliminary permits for the site of the proposed Western Passage Project -- the first issued in 2007, and a successive
permit in 2011 -- without ever filing a development application.
But in ORPC's case, the Commission noted that the project site has been unencumbered by a permit since ORPC's most recent permit expired in 2013, and that no other entity has filed a preliminary permit or development application for the site. The Commission concluded that "a sufficient amount of time has passed for any other entity interested in developing the Western Passage Project site to have filed a preliminary permit or development application for the site and none has done so. Consequently, issuing a permit at this time to ORPC Maine for this site would not contribute to site banking."
Energy powers society; society's choices shape energy policy. A blog about our energy resources and the choices they present for society.
Showing posts with label Ocean Energy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ocean Energy. Show all posts
Tide Mill Institute 2015 conference
Thursday, November 5, 2015
The Tide Mill Institute will hold its 11th annual conference on November 6-7, 2015, at the Cummings Center in Beverly, Massachusetts. Participants will explore the past, present, and future uses of tidal energy through expert presentations, exhibits, and a field trip to a mid-seventeenth century tide mill site.
A nonprofit corporation, the Tide Mill Institute hopes to advance the appreciation of tide mill history and technology by encouraging research, by promoting appropriate re-uses of former tide mill sites and by fostering communication among tide mill enthusiasts. The Institute's mission is:
Tide Mill Institute's 2015 symposium includes presentations on tide mills and tidal power by experts from France, Ireland, and the U.S. Thomas McErlean will describe his experiences uncovering a nearly 1,400 year old tide mill at Nendrum, Northern Ireland, whose bed logs were cut in 619 AD. The conference includes a low-tide field trip to view the site of the Friend's Mill, built about 1647-1649 on the Bass River in Beverly, Massachusetts, where a later foundation and some remains are still visible. Concurrently, the Beverly Historical Society is opening its new exhibit on the Friend's Mill this weekend.
For more information or to register, contact Bud Warren at 207-373-1209 or email info@tidemillinstitute.org.
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| Part of the tidal barrage at the site of Heal's Lower Mill, Westport Island, Maine. |
A nonprofit corporation, the Tide Mill Institute hopes to advance the appreciation of tide mill history and technology by encouraging research, by promoting appropriate re-uses of former tide mill sites and by fostering communication among tide mill enthusiasts. The Institute's mission is:
- to advance appreciation of the American and international heritage of tide mill technology;
- to encourage research into the location and history of tide mill sites;
- to serve as a repository for tide mill data for students, scholars, engineers and the general public and to support and expand the community of these tide mill stakeholders; and
- to promote appropriate re-uses of old tide-mill sites and the development of the use of tides as an energy source.
Tide Mill Institute's 2015 symposium includes presentations on tide mills and tidal power by experts from France, Ireland, and the U.S. Thomas McErlean will describe his experiences uncovering a nearly 1,400 year old tide mill at Nendrum, Northern Ireland, whose bed logs were cut in 619 AD. The conference includes a low-tide field trip to view the site of the Friend's Mill, built about 1647-1649 on the Bass River in Beverly, Massachusetts, where a later foundation and some remains are still visible. Concurrently, the Beverly Historical Society is opening its new exhibit on the Friend's Mill this weekend.
For more information or to register, contact Bud Warren at 207-373-1209 or email info@tidemillinstitute.org.
Atlantic offshore wind energy targeted
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
A report released by the National Wildlife Foundation highlights the potential of U.S. states on the Atlantic Ocean to generate electricity from offshore wind -- and calls upon state leaders to take action to promote offshore wind development.
The 24-page report, Catching the Wind: State Actions Needed to Seize the Golden Opportunity of U.S. Offshore Wind Power, describes responsibly developed offshore wind as "a golden opportunity to meet our coastal energy needs with a clean, local resource that will spur investments in local economies." In particular, the Atlantic coast offers a high-quality wind resource in close proximity to power-thirsty coastal cities.
Key findings in the report include:
The report calls on state leaders to:
The 24-page report, Catching the Wind: State Actions Needed to Seize the Golden Opportunity of U.S. Offshore Wind Power, describes responsibly developed offshore wind as "a golden opportunity to meet our coastal energy needs with a clean, local resource that will spur investments in local economies." In particular, the Atlantic coast offers a high-quality wind resource in close proximity to power-thirsty coastal cities.
Key findings in the report include:
- Offshore winds off New England and New York blow consistently during periods of high electric demand, including summer heat waves and winter cold snaps.
- Federal environmental reviews are complete for over 1.5 million acres of Atlantic sea space, with over 16,000 megawatts of potential wind capacity.
- Diversifying states' energy mix with offshore wind can reduce prices and offset volatility, citing a 2014 study showing New England would save $350 million per year in reduced energy costs, or 2%, if 1,200 megawatts of offshore wind is added.
- Offshore wind reduces air pollution, including carbon emissions.
- Offshore wind development creates jobs, and can be done in an environmentally responsible manner.
The report calls on state leaders to:
- Set a bold goal for offshore wind in the state's energy plan.
- Take action to ensure a competitive market for offshore wind power.
- Advance power contracts for offshore wind.
- Ensure an efficient, transparent, and environmentally responsible offshore wind leasing process that protects wildlife.
- Invest in key research, initiatives, and infrastructure needed to spur offshore wind development.
Wave energy project in Australia advances
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
What may become the world's largest electricity generation project to rely on the power of ocean waves is moving forward in Australia, as Lockheed Martin has announced that it has signed a contract with Victorian Wave Partners Ltd. to develop a 62.5-megawatt project off the coast of Victoria, Australia.
The world's oceans contain significant amounts of energy, embodied in waves, tides, and currents. Winds blowing over the seas also contain substantial energy. Given the immense size of these marine renewable energy resources, extracting useful power from the oceans offers significant potential to serve society's needs without relying on fossil fuels. Early projects, like the 2008 Aguçadoura Wave Farm off Portugal, sought to demonstrate the feasibility of wave energy conversion, but the rigors of the marine environment, need for advanced technologies, and costs of developing a wave energy project have limited development of wave and other hydrokinetic energy resources.
Today's announcement by Lockheed Martin of a project development agreement with Victorian Wave Partners Ltd. envisions a much larger project than has previously been developed anywhere in the world. Victorian Wave Partners is an Australian special purpose company owned by Ocean Power Technologies Australasia Pty Ltd., an affiliate of U.S. company Ocean Power Technologies or OPT. OPT's PowerBuoy wave generation technology uses a buoy that moves up and down in ocean waves to capture mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is used to power an electrical generator, whose electricity is transmitted to shore via an underwater cable. OPT has proposed projects relying on its PowerBuoy technology off the coast of Oregon in the U.S., and has tested its technology off Hawaii, New Jersey, and Scotland.
The Victoria project is scheduled to be developed in three stages. The first stage is expected to produce approximately 2.5 megawatts of peak power by 2014 or 2015, with subsequent stages designed to build up to 60 additional megawatts of peak capacity by 2018 or 2019. The project relies in part on funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency or ARENA. Australia has established a goal of relying on renewable energy for 20 percent of its needs by 2020. ARENA offers funding to qualified renewable energy projects capable of helping the island nation meet this goal.
While the Victoria project may become the world's largest wave energy project to date, other projects in Australia, Scotland, and the United States are moving forward. Will waves soon contribute meaningfully to the world's portfolio of energy resources?
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| Waves off the coast of Maine. |
The world's oceans contain significant amounts of energy, embodied in waves, tides, and currents. Winds blowing over the seas also contain substantial energy. Given the immense size of these marine renewable energy resources, extracting useful power from the oceans offers significant potential to serve society's needs without relying on fossil fuels. Early projects, like the 2008 Aguçadoura Wave Farm off Portugal, sought to demonstrate the feasibility of wave energy conversion, but the rigors of the marine environment, need for advanced technologies, and costs of developing a wave energy project have limited development of wave and other hydrokinetic energy resources.
Today's announcement by Lockheed Martin of a project development agreement with Victorian Wave Partners Ltd. envisions a much larger project than has previously been developed anywhere in the world. Victorian Wave Partners is an Australian special purpose company owned by Ocean Power Technologies Australasia Pty Ltd., an affiliate of U.S. company Ocean Power Technologies or OPT. OPT's PowerBuoy wave generation technology uses a buoy that moves up and down in ocean waves to capture mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is used to power an electrical generator, whose electricity is transmitted to shore via an underwater cable. OPT has proposed projects relying on its PowerBuoy technology off the coast of Oregon in the U.S., and has tested its technology off Hawaii, New Jersey, and Scotland.
The Victoria project is scheduled to be developed in three stages. The first stage is expected to produce approximately 2.5 megawatts of peak power by 2014 or 2015, with subsequent stages designed to build up to 60 additional megawatts of peak capacity by 2018 or 2019. The project relies in part on funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency or ARENA. Australia has established a goal of relying on renewable energy for 20 percent of its needs by 2020. ARENA offers funding to qualified renewable energy projects capable of helping the island nation meet this goal.
While the Victoria project may become the world's largest wave energy project to date, other projects in Australia, Scotland, and the United States are moving forward. Will waves soon contribute meaningfully to the world's portfolio of energy resources?
Maine enacts energy bill to promote natural gas, energy efficiency
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
The Maine Legislature has enacted an omnibus energy bill designed to save consumers over $200 million per year.
For reasons ranging from a reliance on oil for home heating to inadequate natural gas pipeline capacity into New England, Maine’s energy costs are well above the national average. In response, a bipartisan group of legislators pulled together a package of measures to cut energy costs.
The resulting bill, LD 1559, "An Act To Reduce Energy Costs, Increase Energy Efficiency, Promote Electric System Reliability and Protect the Environment", brings together elements of over ten other bills that came before the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utility, and Technology this year. Last week, the Legislature enacted the bill by wide margins in both chambers: it received a vote of 131-7 in the House, and 29-6 in the Senate.
Highlights of the bill as enacted include:
Expands heating options:
Improves energy efficiency:
Lowers electricity and natural gas costs:
Improves controls over the cost of electricity transmission:
Improves the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative:
Brings competition into municipal streetlighting:
Expands ocean energy options:
With the bill enacted as an emergency measure, absent a procedural roadblock it will become law later this month.
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| The Maine State House, Augusta, Maine. |
The resulting bill, LD 1559, "An Act To Reduce Energy Costs, Increase Energy Efficiency, Promote Electric System Reliability and Protect the Environment", brings together elements of over ten other bills that came before the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utility, and Technology this year. Last week, the Legislature enacted the bill by wide margins in both chambers: it received a vote of 131-7 in the House, and 29-6 in the Senate.
Highlights of the bill as enacted include:
Requires the Public
Utilities Commission to help cut electricity costs:
- For the first time ever, requires the Public Utilities Commission to work to minimize the cost of energy to Maine’s consumers and to set rates to achieve economic efficiency
Expands heating options:
- Extends utility pilot programs to offer efficient electric heat pumps
Improves energy efficiency:
- Gives the Public Utilities Commission and Efficiency Maine Trust a revised policy directive to reduce energy costs and improve security of the state and local economies by pursuing all cost-effective energy efficiency for homes and businesses, including conservation in both electricity and heating fuel consumption
- Directs Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative proceeds to lower commercial and industrial energy costs, reduce residential heating energy demand in a fuel-neutral way, and provide rate relief
- Caps electric efficiency spending at no more than 4% of total retail electricity and transmission and distribution sales in Maine
- Gives the Public Utilities Commission improved tools for overseeing efficiency programs
- Uses Maine Yankee litigation settlement funds for energy efficiency investment and rate relief
- Approves the Trust’s contract with Maine utilities for energy efficiency
Lowers electricity and natural gas costs:
- Authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to execute or direct utilities to execute energy cost-reduction contracts if necessary and appropriate to reduce the “basis differential” cost of natural gas in New England and thus to reduce the cost of electricity in Maine
- Protects ratepayers from cost increases resulting from the energy cost-reduction contracts
- Creates the Energy Cost Reduction Trust Fund to hold energy cost-reduction contract revenues, to be held in trust for the purposes of reducing the energy costs of Maine consumers
Improves controls over the cost of electricity transmission:
- Establishes a least cost electric transmission policy that gives the Public Utilities Commission improved tools to evaluate whether non-transmission alternatives can address identified needs at lower cost
Improves the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative:
- Aligns Maine’s carbon emissions budget with other RGGI states’ budgets
- Adopts the new RGGI reforestation offset to benefit both large and small Maine forest owners.
- Directs the Department of Environmental Protection and Public Utilities Commission to develop incentives for consumers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by switching from oil and coal to alternative fuels such as natural gas, biomass, or other renewables
Brings competition into municipal streetlighting:
- Requires transmission and distribution utilities to give municipalities options to participate in the ownership and management of their own streetlighting systems
Expands ocean energy options:
- Gives consideration to the University of Maine’s deepwater floating offshore wind pilot project and potential ocean energy projects, in addition to Statoil’s proposal
With the bill enacted as an emergency measure, absent a procedural roadblock it will become law later this month.
Maine launches first grid-connected floating offshore wind turbine
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
The U.S. renewable ocean energy industry achieved a milestone last week with the launch of the nation's first grid-connecting floating offshore wind turbine. A consortium led by the University of Maine developed and deployed a 1:8-scale prototype in the Gulf of Maine. What does it mean for ocean energy?
Offshore wind presents a significant energy resource. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has estimated that U.S. waters could host a gross wind power resource of 4,223 gigawatts -- about four times as much generating capacity as the current U.S. electric grid. If even a fraction of this can be developed in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way, it could power a significant portion of our electricity needs.
While land-based wind projects represent a relatively established technology -- with over 60,000 megawatts installed in the U.S. by the end of 2012 -- and European waters are home to over 5,000 megawatts of offshore wind, no commercial offshore wind projects have been built in the U.S. The rigors of the ocean environment create engineering challenges for offshore wind, which drives costs up. Particularly in U.S. waters, the best wind resources are located in deeper waters farther offshore. This means that floating wind turbines may be the most cost-effective way to harness offshore winds.
While several prototype floating offshore wind systems have been deployed off Europe, no grid-connected projects have been deployed in U.S. waters. Using $12 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, the University of Maine and its project partners have developed the VolturnUS prototype. This unit has several features that may lead to a breakthrough in the cost curve of floating offshore wind. While most models to date have relied on steel, the VolturnUS semi-submersible platform uses a concrete foundation and composite tower. While the prototype is just 65 feet tall, its design characteristics are hoped to lead to lower construction costs for larger-scale units closer to 500 feet tall.
The University of Maine is also planning a larger offshore wind demonstration called Aqua Ventus I. Using a separate $4 million Energy Department grant, the University is engineering and designing a pilot floating offshore wind farm with two 6-megawatt direct-drive turbines on concrete semi-submersible foundations near Monhegan Island. If selected for further funding in 2014, the Aqua Ventus I project could be constructed and installed in several years.
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| A sailboat catches the wind off the Maine coast. |
Offshore wind presents a significant energy resource. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has estimated that U.S. waters could host a gross wind power resource of 4,223 gigawatts -- about four times as much generating capacity as the current U.S. electric grid. If even a fraction of this can be developed in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way, it could power a significant portion of our electricity needs.
While land-based wind projects represent a relatively established technology -- with over 60,000 megawatts installed in the U.S. by the end of 2012 -- and European waters are home to over 5,000 megawatts of offshore wind, no commercial offshore wind projects have been built in the U.S. The rigors of the ocean environment create engineering challenges for offshore wind, which drives costs up. Particularly in U.S. waters, the best wind resources are located in deeper waters farther offshore. This means that floating wind turbines may be the most cost-effective way to harness offshore winds.
While several prototype floating offshore wind systems have been deployed off Europe, no grid-connected projects have been deployed in U.S. waters. Using $12 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, the University of Maine and its project partners have developed the VolturnUS prototype. This unit has several features that may lead to a breakthrough in the cost curve of floating offshore wind. While most models to date have relied on steel, the VolturnUS semi-submersible platform uses a concrete foundation and composite tower. While the prototype is just 65 feet tall, its design characteristics are hoped to lead to lower construction costs for larger-scale units closer to 500 feet tall.
The University of Maine is also planning a larger offshore wind demonstration called Aqua Ventus I. Using a separate $4 million Energy Department grant, the University is engineering and designing a pilot floating offshore wind farm with two 6-megawatt direct-drive turbines on concrete semi-submersible foundations near Monhegan Island. If selected for further funding in 2014, the Aqua Ventus I project could be constructed and installed in several years.
Maine ocean energy roadmaps
Monday, December 17, 2012
A coalition of Maine trade groups has released a pair of comprehensive permitting and regulatory road maps for developers of offshore wind, wave and tidal projects in Maine. The Maine Composites Alliance, Maine Wind Industry Initiative, and Environmental and Energy Technology Council of Maine (E2Tech) prepared these road maps to help steer potential developers and interested parties through federal, state and local laws and regulations applicable for ocean energy projects.
The documents can be obtained here:
Waters off Maine are considered to be home to significant renewable energy resource potential. Ocean Renewable Power Company has developed a marine hydrokinetic project off Eastport, and Statoil has proposed an offshore wind project off the Maine coast. The roadmaps released today are designed to illustrate the path forward for offshore wind or MHK projects. Developing renewable ocean energy projects requires developers to compile permits and approvals under over a dozen federal and state statutes. Will the current regulatory structures lead to the development of more ocean energy projects off Maine and other U.S. coasts?
The documents can be obtained here:
- Permitting and Leasing for Maine Marine Hydrokinetic (MHK) Power Projects (14-megabyte PDF)
- Permitting and Leasing for Maine Offshore Wind Energy Projects (11-megabyte PDF)
Waters off Maine are considered to be home to significant renewable energy resource potential. Ocean Renewable Power Company has developed a marine hydrokinetic project off Eastport, and Statoil has proposed an offshore wind project off the Maine coast. The roadmaps released today are designed to illustrate the path forward for offshore wind or MHK projects. Developing renewable ocean energy projects requires developers to compile permits and approvals under over a dozen federal and state statutes. Will the current regulatory structures lead to the development of more ocean energy projects off Maine and other U.S. coasts?
FERC issues wave energy license
Monday, August 20, 2012
Federal energy regulators have issued a license to a wave energy project off the Oregon coast. If built as proposed, the project could be the first grid-tied commercial-scale wave energy project in U.S. waters.
Last week the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a license (76-page PDF) to Reedsport OPT Wave Park, LLC for the ocean energy project. In its license application filed in January 2010, the Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. subsidiary proposed a buoy-based wave energy conversion project to be located about 2.5 nautical miles off the coast of Reedsport, in Douglas County, Oregon. Water depths in the project area range from about 204 to 225 feet.
According to the FERC order issuing the project's license, the project will generate electricity from using ten PowerBuoy wave energy converters anchored to the seafloor. Each buoy will have a 150 kilowatt nameplate capacity; physically, each buoy has a maximum diameter of 36 feet, extends 29.5 feet above water, and has a draft of 115 feet.
The marine renewable energy project will be built in two phases. In the first phase, a single PowerBuoy will be installed; this will enable the developer to test the mooring system and buoy operation, as well as to study the electromagnetic fields and acoustic emissions produced by the project. This single buoy will not be connected to the grid. After at least one season of monitoring this single buoy, the developer will add up to nine additional PowerBuoys and connect the array to the mainland grid. The ten buoy units will be deployed in an array of three rows about 330 feet apart, with a footprint of about 30 acres.
The developer reportedly expects to install the first buoy by the end of 2012, with the remaining generators to be installed by 2015. FERC's license for the project has a term of 35 years.
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| A sailboat cruises past the Bear Island Lighthouse near Northeast Harbor, Maine. |
According to the FERC order issuing the project's license, the project will generate electricity from using ten PowerBuoy wave energy converters anchored to the seafloor. Each buoy will have a 150 kilowatt nameplate capacity; physically, each buoy has a maximum diameter of 36 feet, extends 29.5 feet above water, and has a draft of 115 feet.
The marine renewable energy project will be built in two phases. In the first phase, a single PowerBuoy will be installed; this will enable the developer to test the mooring system and buoy operation, as well as to study the electromagnetic fields and acoustic emissions produced by the project. This single buoy will not be connected to the grid. After at least one season of monitoring this single buoy, the developer will add up to nine additional PowerBuoys and connect the array to the mainland grid. The ten buoy units will be deployed in an array of three rows about 330 feet apart, with a footprint of about 30 acres.
The developer reportedly expects to install the first buoy by the end of 2012, with the remaining generators to be installed by 2015. FERC's license for the project has a term of 35 years.
EnergyOcean 2012 conference
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Today is the second day of the Energy Ocean International 2012 conference. The technical program for today includes panels on advances in wave and tidal energy projects, offshore winds, permitting and project finance. Today's sessions follow many of the themes discussed in yesterday's technical program. What new technologies are being developed that may enhance the cost-effectiveness of converting energy from the ocean realm into something humans can use?
For technology innovators, what does it take to test and demonstrate a new device, and ultimately convince a project developer that this technology is appropriate for their project?
For project developers, what are the processes needed to develop a successful project, including securing regulatory approvals, minimizing environmental impacts, and putting together a commercially viable financing package? Fundamentally, what does the future hold for ocean energy development? How and when can ocean energy projects be environmentally responsible and cost-effective? By bringing together the broad spectrum of stakeholders interested in ocean energy, perhaps these questions can be answered sooner rather than later.
For technology innovators, what does it take to test and demonstrate a new device, and ultimately convince a project developer that this technology is appropriate for their project?
For project developers, what are the processes needed to develop a successful project, including securing regulatory approvals, minimizing environmental impacts, and putting together a commercially viable financing package? Fundamentally, what does the future hold for ocean energy development? How and when can ocean energy projects be environmentally responsible and cost-effective? By bringing together the broad spectrum of stakeholders interested in ocean energy, perhaps these questions can be answered sooner rather than later.
EnergyOcean International 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
This week I am attending EnergyOcean International 2012, the ninth annual conference for the offshore renewable energy sector.
This morning's keynote address was delivered by Tommy Beaudreau, Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. Director Beaudreau gave an overview of BOEM and how its Office of Renewable Energy Programs fits in with other responsibilities like offshore oil and gas leasing and regulation.
Upcoming presentations include a discussion of global offshore renewable energy development, marine spatial planning, best practices for managing interactions between wildlife and offshore projects, an update on what's happening with wave and tidal energy, and a review of successful project finance strategies.
Preparing for an ice-free Arctic?
Thursday, February 23, 2012
As the Arctic climate changes, the possibility of an ice-free Arctic Ocean is looming. In recent history, almost all of the Arctic Ocean is covered by sea ice in winter, and perennial ice persists throughout the year over much of the basin. Arctic sea ice is now reducing in both volume and coverage. Some predictions, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), suggest that based on observed 2007/2008 summer sea ice extents, the Arctic could be nearly sea ice free in summertime within 30 years.
Setting aside the root causes of these changes, Arctic nations are preparing for a less icy future. Many stakeholders, like US Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, believe that reduced ice cover over the Arctic could lead to future subsea resource discoveries. Indeed, the Arctic sea floor is already known to be home
to abundant energy resources including petroleum, natural gas, as well as metal and mineral deposits. In addition, the ocean and sea bed are home to significant marine life.
Beyond opening up potential for underwater resource extraction, a reduction in ice cover could also open up commercial navigation across the fabled Northwest Passage or other routes. This could reduce the cost of shipping goods across the globe, but could significantly increase marine traffic in the Arctic Ocean.
Arctic nations are gearing up for this possible future. For example, Canada has ordered new icebreakers and offshore patrol boats, and the head of the Royal Canadian Navy has recommended increasing military staffing in the region.
What will the future hold for the Arctic? Will perennial ice cover be significantly reduced within decades? If so, what will it mean for the environments, economies, and national security interests of countries in the Arctic region?
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| Rainbow over Canada's icy St. Lawrence River near Petite-Riviere-Saint-Francois, Quebec. |
Beyond opening up potential for underwater resource extraction, a reduction in ice cover could also open up commercial navigation across the fabled Northwest Passage or other routes. This could reduce the cost of shipping goods across the globe, but could significantly increase marine traffic in the Arctic Ocean.
Arctic nations are gearing up for this possible future. For example, Canada has ordered new icebreakers and offshore patrol boats, and the head of the Royal Canadian Navy has recommended increasing military staffing in the region.
What will the future hold for the Arctic? Will perennial ice cover be significantly reduced within decades? If so, what will it mean for the environments, economies, and national security interests of countries in the Arctic region?
NYC tidal project gets pilot license
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Federal regulators have issued a pilot project license to a tidal power proposal to be developed in the East River off New York City. Yesterday the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission awarded a license to the Roosevelt Island Tidal Energy Project (62-page PDF).
As described in the license, the Roosevelt Island project will start relatively small, and is licensed for additional phases of growth. The first phase entails deployment of three 35-kW Kinetic Hydropower Systems developed by Verdant Power, LLC. Each of these units has a 5-meter diameter turbine connected to generator. Over time, additional turbine units could be deployed, up to a total of 30 turbines, for a total nameplate capacity of 1,050 kilowatts.
Verdant chose to seek a pilot project license for the Roosevelt Island tidal development. FERC views its hydrokinetic pilot project licensing process as a variant of its Integrated Licensing Process. Compared to other paths to FERC hydropower licenses, the pilot project process is designed to allow developers to test new hydrokinetic and hydropower technologies while minimizing both their costs and the risk of adverse environmental impacts.
Commission staff have described the ideal pilot project as (1) small, (2) short term, (3) located in environmentally non-sensitive areas based on the Commission’s review of the record, (4) removable and able to be shut down on short notice, (5) removed, with the site restored, before the end of the license term (unless a new license is granted), and (6) initiated by a draft application in a form sufficient to support environmental analysis. Based on the Roosevelt Island project's similarity to this conceptual ideal, FERC staff recommended that Verdant pursue a pilot project license.
Verdant's pilot project license includes a variety of conditions and mitigation requirements. Among these are a requirement that Verdant commence construction of Phase 1 within two years, and to complete construction of Phase 3 within six years of the issuance date of the license. If Verdant meets these deadlines, the Roosevelt Island could be producing electricity within the next few years.
Other innovative ocean energy projects are pursuing FERC's pilot project licensure path, such as the Cobscook Bay Tidal Energy Project proposed by Ocean Renewable Power Company Maine, LLC. Verdant's license is the first hydrokinetic pilot project license that FERC has issued; others may follow in its footsteps.
As described in the license, the Roosevelt Island project will start relatively small, and is licensed for additional phases of growth. The first phase entails deployment of three 35-kW Kinetic Hydropower Systems developed by Verdant Power, LLC. Each of these units has a 5-meter diameter turbine connected to generator. Over time, additional turbine units could be deployed, up to a total of 30 turbines, for a total nameplate capacity of 1,050 kilowatts.
Verdant chose to seek a pilot project license for the Roosevelt Island tidal development. FERC views its hydrokinetic pilot project licensing process as a variant of its Integrated Licensing Process. Compared to other paths to FERC hydropower licenses, the pilot project process is designed to allow developers to test new hydrokinetic and hydropower technologies while minimizing both their costs and the risk of adverse environmental impacts.
Commission staff have described the ideal pilot project as (1) small, (2) short term, (3) located in environmentally non-sensitive areas based on the Commission’s review of the record, (4) removable and able to be shut down on short notice, (5) removed, with the site restored, before the end of the license term (unless a new license is granted), and (6) initiated by a draft application in a form sufficient to support environmental analysis. Based on the Roosevelt Island project's similarity to this conceptual ideal, FERC staff recommended that Verdant pursue a pilot project license.
Verdant's pilot project license includes a variety of conditions and mitigation requirements. Among these are a requirement that Verdant commence construction of Phase 1 within two years, and to complete construction of Phase 3 within six years of the issuance date of the license. If Verdant meets these deadlines, the Roosevelt Island could be producing electricity within the next few years.
Other innovative ocean energy projects are pursuing FERC's pilot project licensure path, such as the Cobscook Bay Tidal Energy Project proposed by Ocean Renewable Power Company Maine, LLC. Verdant's license is the first hydrokinetic pilot project license that FERC has issued; others may follow in its footsteps.
Maine ocean energy advances
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Maine's offshore wind industry may be moving forward, as the federal agency responsible for offshore wind site leasing is now considering a request by Norwegian energy company Statoil to lease a site for a Maine deepwater floating wind project.
The Maine site for which Statoil has applied lies over 12 miles offshore, south of Boothbay Harbor. It lies in United States waters south of Damariscove Island. This places the site near the pre-selected Damariscove Island wind site in Maine state-jurisdictional waters. Statoil's proposed site is also southwest of the Monhegan offshore wind site.
Statoil's request to the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management was submitted on an unsolicited basis. No BOEM Call for Information and Nominations (the agency's primary competitive solicitation tool) was in effect for these waters. Under current regulations, unsolicited leases face a slightly different process for review, including a determination of whether there is any competitive interest in the site.
(You can read four public pages from Statoil's application here.)
Statoil is a large and diverse energy company headquartered in Stavanger, Norway, and owned primarily by the government of Norway. Statoil's portfolio includes petroleum, gas, pipeline, and electric utility businesses. Statoil is now exploring ocean energy opportunities, and developed the world's first full-scale floating wind turbine, the 2.3 megawatt Hywind unit. Statoil has applied for a site lease off Maine, which could be its first US offshore wind site.
BOEM has deemed Statoil NA's lease application to be complete, and the applicant to be legally qualified. Now BOEM is engaged in a review of Statoil's technical and financial qualifications.
Tomorrow morning, a joint state-federal task force will meet to review Statoil's request. The Maine Task Force of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management consists of a broad array of agency representatives. Tomorrow's meeting will feature presentations by representatives from the governor's energy office, Maine Public Utilities Commission, United States Coast Guard, Department of Defense, NOAA, as well as BOEM and the Department of Interior itself. This meeting will be held on December 8 at the Marriot Hotel in South Portland, Maine, at 9:30 a.m.
Separately, Statoil is negotiating with staff from the Maine Public Utilities Commission for a long-term contract to sell the project's output to utilities. Statoil responded to the Maine commission's 2010 request for proposals for pilot floating offshore wind projects. This offshore wind long-term contracting program was established by a Maine law designed to facilitate the development of a deep-water offshore wind energy pilot project.
If the Commission approves a long-term contract for the project's output, it could give the wind farm sufficient revenue certainty. At the same time, the Commission is required to weigh the costs and benefits of any such contract, and must find that ordering a utility to buy the energy, capacity and renewable energy credits at the price and other terms proposed would not have an unreasonable impact on the utility's rate.
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| Uninhabited Damariscove Island, off Boothbay Harbor, Maine. |
The Maine site for which Statoil has applied lies over 12 miles offshore, south of Boothbay Harbor. It lies in United States waters south of Damariscove Island. This places the site near the pre-selected Damariscove Island wind site in Maine state-jurisdictional waters. Statoil's proposed site is also southwest of the Monhegan offshore wind site.
Statoil's request to the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management was submitted on an unsolicited basis. No BOEM Call for Information and Nominations (the agency's primary competitive solicitation tool) was in effect for these waters. Under current regulations, unsolicited leases face a slightly different process for review, including a determination of whether there is any competitive interest in the site.
(You can read four public pages from Statoil's application here.)
Statoil is a large and diverse energy company headquartered in Stavanger, Norway, and owned primarily by the government of Norway. Statoil's portfolio includes petroleum, gas, pipeline, and electric utility businesses. Statoil is now exploring ocean energy opportunities, and developed the world's first full-scale floating wind turbine, the 2.3 megawatt Hywind unit. Statoil has applied for a site lease off Maine, which could be its first US offshore wind site.
BOEM has deemed Statoil NA's lease application to be complete, and the applicant to be legally qualified. Now BOEM is engaged in a review of Statoil's technical and financial qualifications.
Tomorrow morning, a joint state-federal task force will meet to review Statoil's request. The Maine Task Force of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management consists of a broad array of agency representatives. Tomorrow's meeting will feature presentations by representatives from the governor's energy office, Maine Public Utilities Commission, United States Coast Guard, Department of Defense, NOAA, as well as BOEM and the Department of Interior itself. This meeting will be held on December 8 at the Marriot Hotel in South Portland, Maine, at 9:30 a.m.
Separately, Statoil is negotiating with staff from the Maine Public Utilities Commission for a long-term contract to sell the project's output to utilities. Statoil responded to the Maine commission's 2010 request for proposals for pilot floating offshore wind projects. This offshore wind long-term contracting program was established by a Maine law designed to facilitate the development of a deep-water offshore wind energy pilot project.
If the Commission approves a long-term contract for the project's output, it could give the wind farm sufficient revenue certainty. At the same time, the Commission is required to weigh the costs and benefits of any such contract, and must find that ordering a utility to buy the energy, capacity and renewable energy credits at the price and other terms proposed would not have an unreasonable impact on the utility's rate.
Maine's offshore wind test sites
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Within the next several years, three sites off the coast of Maine may see offshore wind tests and pilot projects. In December 2009, the Maine Ocean Energy Task Force selected three sites -- waters near the island of Monhegan, Boon Island and Damariscove Island -- as test sites for offshore wind development.
Plans to develop these sites remain pending.
The Monhegan site (PDF map) lies about 2 miles south of the island, and runs about 2 miles square near the edge of Maine's state territorial waters. At the Monhegan site, the DeepCWind Consortium, a group led by the University of Maine, plans to develop a scale-model floating platform and test turbine about 2 miles south of the island.
The Damariscove site (PDF map) lies southwest of uninhabited Damariscove Island, about halfway between Damariscove and Seguin Island off the mouth of the Kennebec River.
The Boon Island site (PDF map) lies about 2 miles south of that island, off the town of York on the southern coast near Kennebunkport.
What will the coming years bring to these sites? The Monhegan site may see its first floating turbine deployed in 2012.
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| Looking northeast from Griffith Head, Reid State Park, Maine. |
The Monhegan site (PDF map) lies about 2 miles south of the island, and runs about 2 miles square near the edge of Maine's state territorial waters. At the Monhegan site, the DeepCWind Consortium, a group led by the University of Maine, plans to develop a scale-model floating platform and test turbine about 2 miles south of the island.
The Damariscove site (PDF map) lies southwest of uninhabited Damariscove Island, about halfway between Damariscove and Seguin Island off the mouth of the Kennebec River.
The Boon Island site (PDF map) lies about 2 miles south of that island, off the town of York on the southern coast near Kennebunkport.
What will the coming years bring to these sites? The Monhegan site may see its first floating turbine deployed in 2012.
July 19, 2011 - Nova Scotia tidal energy, feed-in tariffs and projects
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Hydrokinetic energy projects are cropping up in Canada just as they are in the U.S. (For a review of hydrokinetic energy, check out last month's entries.) The Bay of Fundy is famous for its tides, among the largest in the world. The Canadian province of Nova Scotia is home to a large portion of this resource. Nova Scotia is also home to an existing tidal power plant: utility Nova Scotia Power's Annapolis Tidal Power Plant. This tidal energy project, which came online in 1984, has a capacity of 20 megawatts and can generally produce between 80 and 100 megawatt-hours per day.
Now, Maine-based Ocean Renewable Power Co. has announced plans with Nova Scotia-based Fundy Tidal Inc. to install underwater hydrokinetic turbines to generate electricity from the Bay of Fundy's tides. The proposal involves the installation of 15 to 20 150-kW turbines in the Petit Passage between Digby Neck and Long Island off western Nova Scotia (map) by 2012.
The new venture, named ORPC Nova Scotia Ltd., plans to benefit from Nova Scotia's feed-in tariff. That program, known as the community-based feed-in tariff or COMFIT, is projected to require utilities to pay qualified tidal projects 65.2 cents per kilowatt-hour for their output. This rate, about six times higher than the typical rate for electricity, is a significant incentive for the development of the province's resources. Additional support is available from the provincial government to assess hydrokinetic and small tidal projects like the Petit Passage project.
This project may be smaller than the 500 MW Passamaquoddy Power Project first proposed in 1919, but it could represent the first commercial deployment of underwater hydrokinetic turbines in the Bay of Fundy, and follows in Nova Scotia's traditions of harvesting the energy of its tides.
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| The tide drops out of a tidal marsh near the Back River on Arrowsic Island, Maine. |
Now, Maine-based Ocean Renewable Power Co. has announced plans with Nova Scotia-based Fundy Tidal Inc. to install underwater hydrokinetic turbines to generate electricity from the Bay of Fundy's tides. The proposal involves the installation of 15 to 20 150-kW turbines in the Petit Passage between Digby Neck and Long Island off western Nova Scotia (map) by 2012.
The new venture, named ORPC Nova Scotia Ltd., plans to benefit from Nova Scotia's feed-in tariff. That program, known as the community-based feed-in tariff or COMFIT, is projected to require utilities to pay qualified tidal projects 65.2 cents per kilowatt-hour for their output. This rate, about six times higher than the typical rate for electricity, is a significant incentive for the development of the province's resources. Additional support is available from the provincial government to assess hydrokinetic and small tidal projects like the Petit Passage project.
This project may be smaller than the 500 MW Passamaquoddy Power Project first proposed in 1919, but it could represent the first commercial deployment of underwater hydrokinetic turbines in the Bay of Fundy, and follows in Nova Scotia's traditions of harvesting the energy of its tides.
July 13, 2011 - US Senate considers hydrokinetic energy
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Hydrokinetic energy -- generating electricity from tides, waves, and free-flowing rivers -- is drawing significant interest in 2011, with about 200 project sites far enough along to seek key federal regulatory approvals. (For a look at the range of those projects, check out my previous blog entries on hydrokinetic energy.)
Hydrokinetic power in the US may soon get another boost, as the Senate is considering a bill to facilitate hydrokinetic projects. Senator Murkowski of Alaska has sponsored S.630, also known as the Marine and Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy Promotion Act of 2011. (You can find the text of the bill here.)
As drafted, the bill includes a Congressional finding that
The future of hydrokinetic energy in the US hinges on a number of variables. How will S.630 be changed as it moves through Congress? Will it be enacted into law? How will new technologies change hydrokinetic project economics? Depending on the answers to these questions, hydrokinetic projects may soon be helping us keep the lights on.
Hydrokinetic power in the US may soon get another boost, as the Senate is considering a bill to facilitate hydrokinetic projects. Senator Murkowski of Alaska has sponsored S.630, also known as the Marine and Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy Promotion Act of 2011. (You can find the text of the bill here.)
As drafted, the bill includes a Congressional finding that
Based on these findings, S.630 goes on to provide a variety of support for hydrokinetic projects. These include the creation of a competitive grant program for marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy technology research, development, and demonstration, as well as another grant program to help commercialize marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy. Under current law (42 U.S.C. 17282), the US Department of Energy can award grants to support the construction of small hydropower facilities (15 megawatt capacity or less). While this incentive is currently limited to projects in Alaska, S.630 proposes to open it up to projects located anywhere in the country. The current draft of S.630 includes funding through fiscal year 2014 for these programs.
(1) the use of marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy technologies can reduce contributions to global warming;
(2) marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy technologies can be produced domestically;
(3) marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy is a nascent industry; and
(4) the United States must work to promote new renewable energy technologies that reduce contributions to global warming gases and improve domestic energy production.
The future of hydrokinetic energy in the US hinges on a number of variables. How will S.630 be changed as it moves through Congress? Will it be enacted into law? How will new technologies change hydrokinetic project economics? Depending on the answers to these questions, hydrokinetic projects may soon be helping us keep the lights on.
July 11, 2011 - electricity on Maine's islands
Monday, July 11, 2011
For people summering or living on Maine's islands, getting electricity can be more complicated than on the mainland. Some of Maine's largest and most populous islands like Mount Desert Island or Deer Isle are connected to mainland by both bridges and electricity cables, while more remote islands are powered by small on-island generators. By their nature, islands can make energy questions more challenging, while also offering innovative opportunities for the right places.
Looking at the Maine island communities I identified last week, a number of them are part of mainland utility Central Maine Power Company's service territory. The major Casco Bay islands -- Peaks, Great Diamond, Cliff, Long, and Great Chebeague -- all fall into this category, as does Islesboro off Lincolnville. Residents on these islands draw their electricity from CMP's mainland grid via underwater cables; generally, they pay the same price for their electricity (both the supply of energy and the delivery service via the transmission and distribution utility) as do mainland consumers. The Cranberry Isles off Mount Desert Island are similarly connected to Bangor Hydro-Electric's mainland distribution system at mainland prices.
Other island communities have their own utilities or districts, but remain tied to the mainland by cables. For example, Vinalhaven and North Haven residents get their power from the Fox Islands Electric Cooperative. These communities are connected to the mainland grid via underwater cable; until recently, they purchased power from the mainland market at 9-10 cents per kilowatt-hour, on top of which they paid transmission and distribution costs. In 2007, those wires charges were 16.8 cents per kWh. The subsequent development of Vinalhaven's 4.5 megawatt community-owned wind project means that Fox Islands residents now pay 27% less for their energy.
Still other island communities are so remote that they are truly islands in the electric sense: completely off the mainland grid. Electricity on these islands tends to be expensive. For example, the Maine Public Utilities Commission reports that on Monhegan, the average cost of energy plus delivery has been as high as 62 ¢/kWh. These high prices are mirrored on other remote islands like Matinicus (47 ¢/kWh) and Isle au Haut (32 ¢/kWh). With electricity prices like these on Maine islands, it is no wonder that residents consider energy efficiency and other options for using energy more wisely.
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| The summits of Mount Desert Island loom large over the water on Great Cranberry Island, Maine. |
Looking at the Maine island communities I identified last week, a number of them are part of mainland utility Central Maine Power Company's service territory. The major Casco Bay islands -- Peaks, Great Diamond, Cliff, Long, and Great Chebeague -- all fall into this category, as does Islesboro off Lincolnville. Residents on these islands draw their electricity from CMP's mainland grid via underwater cables; generally, they pay the same price for their electricity (both the supply of energy and the delivery service via the transmission and distribution utility) as do mainland consumers. The Cranberry Isles off Mount Desert Island are similarly connected to Bangor Hydro-Electric's mainland distribution system at mainland prices.
Other island communities have their own utilities or districts, but remain tied to the mainland by cables. For example, Vinalhaven and North Haven residents get their power from the Fox Islands Electric Cooperative. These communities are connected to the mainland grid via underwater cable; until recently, they purchased power from the mainland market at 9-10 cents per kilowatt-hour, on top of which they paid transmission and distribution costs. In 2007, those wires charges were 16.8 cents per kWh. The subsequent development of Vinalhaven's 4.5 megawatt community-owned wind project means that Fox Islands residents now pay 27% less for their energy.
Still other island communities are so remote that they are truly islands in the electric sense: completely off the mainland grid. Electricity on these islands tends to be expensive. For example, the Maine Public Utilities Commission reports that on Monhegan, the average cost of energy plus delivery has been as high as 62 ¢/kWh. These high prices are mirrored on other remote islands like Matinicus (47 ¢/kWh) and Isle au Haut (32 ¢/kWh). With electricity prices like these on Maine islands, it is no wonder that residents consider energy efficiency and other options for using energy more wisely.
February 7, 2011 - $50 million more for offshore wind
Monday, February 7, 2011
Offshore wind just got another boost. Today Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Secretary of Energy Steven Chu released a joint National Offshore Wind Strategy, which bills itself as the first-ever interagency plan on offshore wind energy. As part of this strategy, the U.S. Department of Energy envisions 10 gigawatts of offshore wind generating capacity by 2020 and 54 gigawatts by 2030.
That's not all: the Secretaries also announced up to $50.5 million in new funding for projects that support offshore wind energy deployment. The plan includes three solicitations, proposing to award up to $50.5 million over 5 years, to promote offshore wind R&D and eliminate market barriers. Up to $25 million will be available for technology development for wind turbine design tools and hardware. Up to $18 million will be available for studies and research to identify and remove market barriers. Up to $7.5 more million will bne used to fund R&D into wind turbine drivetrains.
The announcement also includes the designation under the "Smart from the Start" program of high priority Wind Energy Areas on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) offshore of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia. To reduce the burden on project developers, these areas will receive advanced environmental reviews by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE). If BOEMRE's review does not identify any significant impacts, leases could be available by the end of this year.
That's not all: the Secretaries also announced up to $50.5 million in new funding for projects that support offshore wind energy deployment. The plan includes three solicitations, proposing to award up to $50.5 million over 5 years, to promote offshore wind R&D and eliminate market barriers. Up to $25 million will be available for technology development for wind turbine design tools and hardware. Up to $18 million will be available for studies and research to identify and remove market barriers. Up to $7.5 more million will bne used to fund R&D into wind turbine drivetrains.
The announcement also includes the designation under the "Smart from the Start" program of high priority Wind Energy Areas on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) offshore of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia. To reduce the burden on project developers, these areas will receive advanced environmental reviews by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE). If BOEMRE's review does not identify any significant impacts, leases could be available by the end of this year.
February 4, 2011 - Hawaii's Big Wind project
Friday, February 4, 2011
Islands hold a special place in our hearts. The same facts of geography that lead to islands' charm can also play a role in making island energy a challenging issue. Islands around the world face similar challenges; whether it's Martha's Vineyard energy strategy or offshore wind near the Maine islands of Damariscove or Monhegan, islanders face questions of how to power society and whether or how to interconnect with the mainland.
Due to its geographic isolation, the Hawaiian islands' energy strategy is especially interesting. This week, hearings are being held in Hawaii on a major wind energy project and its associated undersea transmission development. Hawaii's renewable portfolio standard requires utilities selling power to source an increasing amount of energy from renewable resources. The renewable mandate starts from 10% of net electricity sales effective December 31, 2010, and increases to 40% by December 31, 2030.
Due to its geographic isolation, the Hawaiian islands' energy strategy is especially interesting. This week, hearings are being held in Hawaii on a major wind energy project and its associated undersea transmission development. Hawaii's renewable portfolio standard requires utilities selling power to source an increasing amount of energy from renewable resources. The renewable mandate starts from 10% of net electricity sales effective December 31, 2010, and increases to 40% by December 31, 2030.
One option under consideration involves 400 megawatts of wind energy to be sited in Maui County, particularly on or near the islands of Lana`i and Moloka`i. Connecting that generation to the consumers on Oahu, Hawaii's most populous island, will require underwater transmission cables. Currently, the state of Hawaii and federal agencies are collaborating on a programmatic environmental impact statement (or EIS). Under the federal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), before the government can undertake or approve actions "significantly affecting the quality of the human environment", involved agencies must draft an assessment of the positive and negative environmental effects of the proposed action. This information is then used for multiple purposes, including helping the agency evaluate specific proposed projects, as well as helping project developers understand the impacts of their project and what they can do to address any negative impacts.
Hawaii is home to some other renewable generation, including an innovative ocean thermal energy conversion facility. OTEC has great potential, but the cost of producing power on a commercial scale is not yet cost-competitive with other resources - not even with oil, the fuel behind about 90% of Hawaii's energy needs. Hawaiian energy thus has been relatively expensive. Wind has the potential to be more cost-effective, but due to visual and other impacts is facing some opposition in the islands. Will the Hawaiian wind effort take off?
December 22, 2010 - Ocean thermal energy conversion
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
As any sailor knows, the Earth's oceans are enormous and powerful. About seventy percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by its oceans. These oceans contain vast amounts of energy - many times more than is consumed by mankind. Through the confluence of water's physical properties and natural energy dynamics, combined with a considerable amount of technology, much of this energy can be harnessed. Whether or not it is cost-effective is dependent on the specifics of each project and its technology, as well as whether any governmental incentives or subsidies exist.
When we think of the potential of ocean energy, offshore wind development often comes to mind. Offshore wind may rely on oceanic siting and conditions, but its primary energy source is the wind. The waters of the ocean itself are understood to contain even more energy, in the form of moving water like currents, tides, and waves, as well as in subtler embodiments such as gradients of temperature and salinity.
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| A summer view from the dock at Great Cranberry Island across to Mount Desert Island. |
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