OREC Respond to Questions on Hybrids

Up at Renewable Energy Access, Sean and I have a quick Ask the Experts post on the potential for hybrid offshore wind and wave and/or tidal offshore energy projects.  Check it out!

$50 Million for Ocean Energy

This recent news report confirms that the Senate approved an energy amendment proposed by Sen. Lisa Murkowski which provides $50 million for geothermal research and development, $50 million for ocean energy research and $25 million for research and grant assistance for small hydro development.  OREC President Sean O’Neill spearheaded OREC’s efforts on the amendment; now it’s up to all of you to support it through conference.

OREC President on TV!

Sean O’Neill, OREC President, and long time ocean renewables expert, George Hagerman appeared on E&E TV, discussing multiple issues such as the need for Congressional funding for ocean renewables, FERC’s regulatory policy and other issues. It’s a great overview of the issues confronting the industry today, and you can view the TV segment here.

Join OREC!

OREC is continuing to solicit members for our organization. You can download a copy of our 2008 Membership Application and pay online at our home page. Also, please provide us with feedback on what types of benefits and opportunities would make membership more attractive to your organization.

UK and US Issue Big Policy Papers on Offshore Renewables!

As I’ve posted over here at my Renewables Offshore Web Log, both the UK and US issued important policy papers on offshore renewables.  The UK has developed a Marine Bill White Paper designed to streamline siting of offshore wind, wave and tidal projects while preserving sensitive environmental areas.  And MMS has finally issued its long awaited Draft Environmental Impact Statement on alternate energy on the Outer Continental Shelf.  OREC hasn’t yet had time to digest the new documents, both of which issued within the past week, but we will be monitoring the DEIS and filing comments.

Join OREC!

OREC is continuing to build its membership ranks, and we’re seeking more members for our organization. You can upload the 2008 Membership Application and pay online at our Home Page. For more information on membership, contact Sean O’Neill at 301-869-3790 or email us carolyn.elefant@gmail.com.

More member news

News Packed With OREC Member Activities

Over the past few weeks, the media has been packed with new developments involving OREC members. First up, at the end of February, PG&E announced that it filed preliminary permit applications at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to study two potential wave energy sites off the coast of Mendocino and Humboldt Counties.
(Source: PG&E hopes for power in ocean waves(Ukiah Daily Journal, 3/2007).
Next, Ocean Renewable Power Company announced plans to develop a tidal site in the waters off Deer Island in Maine, according to this story (3/6/07).

Finally, Verdant Power’s Roosevelt Island Project in the East River was the subject of this write up in the April 2007 issue of Popular Mechanics.

Comments on FERC Preliminary Permits for Tidal and Wave Power Due April 15

On February 15, 2007, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued this Notice of Inquiry and Policy Statement on policies governing issuance of preliminary permits for wave and tidal projects. FERC seeks comment on whether its existing system governing issuance of preliminary permits should apply to wave and tidal technologies, whether to retain the existing system with stricter safeguards to prevent sitebanking or whether to eliminate the preliminary permit process entirely.

OREC previously prepared a White Paper on FERC’s permit policy that is available here and details some of the problems with FERC’s existing program. OREC intends to submit comments in response to the rulemaking, so please provide us your thoughts by sending comments below.

Sierra Club Supports Cape Wind

The Cape Cod Times reported here  that the Sierra Club Executive Director Carl Pope announced  support for the Cape Wind offshore wind project.  Moreover, not only did Pope support  the project, he had harsh words for its opponents:

Pope told Cape Cod Today, “This is a good project, and as long as it is built within the guidelines being developed by the ongoing process, we will support it.”  Pope reserved his harshest criticism of organizations and individuals he intimated are fronting for interests who do not want wind energy to become a significant part of America’s future energy mix. “We have been very opposed to efforts to hijack the process and derail this project by people opposed to wind power,” the Sierra Club Executive Director said. “Some of the backers of these efforts have reasons other than ‘their view’ to oppose a project like this coming online.”  Pope was referring to major funding sources and key directors of the Alliance to Project Nantucket Sound, who have extensive holdings in established energy related industries.

Marine renewables won’t succeed without the support of all stakeholders.  Carl Pope’s comments show that the Sierra Club takes global warming seriously enough that it stands ready to explore new solutions.

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