Slide 1

Ocean Energy Harnessing the Power of Waves and Tides

Slide 2

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 What is Ocean Energy?

Slide 3

Wave Energy OPTs 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.

Slide 4

The Pelamis Sea-Snake

Slide 5

The Mechanics

Slide 6

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.

Slide 7

OpenHydro Tidal Turbine

Slide 8

OpenHydro In Action

Slide 9

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

Slide 10

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 Tax Incentives and Government Investment

Slide 11

Very New Technology 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 Costs and Hurdles

Slide 12

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: Jurisdiction

Slide 13

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

Slide 14

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

Slide 15

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

Slide 16

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. Finavera Renewable Technology: Makah Bay Offshore Wave Project

Slide 17

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

Slide 18

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

Slide 19

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 Makah Bay Offshore Wave Project

Slide 20

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. Ocean Power Technologies: Power Buoy system

Slide 21

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 PowerBuoy Technology

Slide 22

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 The Future of Ocean Energy