UK and US Issue Big Policy Papers on Offshore Renewables!
March 16, 2007 by Carolyn Elefant
Filed under Uncategorized
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!
March 16, 2007 by Carolyn Elefant
Filed under Uncategorized
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
March 14, 2007 by Carolyn Elefant
Filed under Uncategorized
First up, in this Press Release, Finavera Renewables announced that it has signed a contract with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) to serve as the system integrator for Finavera Renewables’ portfolio of ocean energy conversion programs and installation projects. This agreement will combine the technology developed by Finavera Renewables with the engineering and marine experience of SAIC.
Next, according to this story, Wave power firm targets NZ, Ocean Power Delivery Systems is in talks with Auckland-based firm Power Generation Projects (PGP) about bringing the OPD’s Pelamis system to New Zealand. In other news covered in the article, Neptune Power plans to anchor turbines in Cook Strait, while another group is experimenting with wave-energy conversion in Lyttleton Harbour in the hope of reducing the relatively high cost of marine energy.
FInally, from this Press Release, EON AG and Lunar Energy issued a joint statement saying they plan to build tidal power generators off the west coast of England with a total generating capacity of 8 MW. The proposed scheme will use tidal streams, which are fast-moving currents created by rising and falling tides, to turn an array of large turbines situated on the sea floor.
News Packed With OREC Member Activities
March 9, 2007 by Carolyn Elefant
Filed under Uncategorized
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
March 6, 2007 by Carolyn Elefant
Filed under Regulation Watch
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
March 5, 2007 by Carolyn Elefant
Filed under Offshore 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.
OPT Project Coming To Oregon
March 5, 2007 by Carolyn Elefant
Filed under Uncategorized
This article reports on a recently announced agreement between Ocean Power Technologies(OPT) and the Pacific Northwest Generating Cooperative to cooperate on development of the Reedsport OPT Wave Park located in Douglas County off the coast of Reedsport. The proposed project will be comprised of OPT’s PowerBuoy systems and will generate 2 MW of power. OPT has been issued a preliminary permit by FERC for up to 50 MW of capacity at the site, and plans to develop, own, and operate the first 2 MW wave power park.
OREC Member ORPC Plans Alaska Project
March 5, 2007 by Carolyn Elefant
Filed under Uncategorized
From the Earth Times comes this article on a plan by OREC Member Ocean Renewable Power Corporation to test its tidal power generator prototype in Knik Arm, Alaska. From the article:
The yearlong test of the generator will help the company determine efficiency and effects on surrounding environment, including wildlife and tidal flow, the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reported. The test site was chosen for its access to the electric grid and its fast tides. The current there is about 6 knots on average.The generator works similarly to a wind turbine. The tide causes lift, which turns the blades, spinning the generator.
Experts at Southeast Regional Offshore Wind Symposium See Benefits of Offshore Wind
March 5, 2007 by Carolyn Elefant
Filed under Uncategorized
This article reports on last week’s Southeast Regional Offshore Wind Power Symposium held on February 26-27 at Clemson University in South Carolina. From the article, here’s what was discusse:
Their vision? Jobs. Millions of dollars poured into the Georgia and Carolinian economies. Energy security. Clean-burning fuels. All founded on the previously untapped winds off the Southeastern shore. Their conclusion? Offshore wind-power production is possible in the United States, the Carolinas and Georgia are particularly well-suited for the task, and it’s time to get started.
In particular, experts were excited about the potential benefits of offshore wind for South Carolina which has no homegrown energy sources.
Law Offices of Carolyn Elefant Revives Offshore Renewables Weblog
March 5, 2007 by Carolyn Elefant
Filed under Uncategorized
Carolyn Elefant, counsel to OREC, announces the revival of her Renewables Offshore Law Blog where she provides news and analysis about the marine renewables energy industry and renewable energy trends generally.