This web site was
created to provide easy access to information about tidal energy projects
proposed in the Puget Sound region of Washington State using Tidal
In-Stream Energy Conversion (TISEC) technologies. TISEC
technology has advanced from the theoretical
stage to the pilot stage with pilot projects built in Great Britain and under
construction in the U.S. and Canada. Permits for full scale development in Great
Britain are proceeding. The project proposals are basically for creating
underwater wind farms with rotors ranging from 5 - 20 meters in diameter.
In Puget Sound there are currently 7 proposed projects by 3 different Proponents.
Tacoma Power is proposing to develop
tidal energy at the Tacoma Narrows. Their preliminary feasibility
assessment of the site and available technologies does not show the
project as economically nor technically feasible at this time. The
are having their feasibility study reviewed by an independant
organization before making a decision to move forward or not.
Public Utility
District Number 1 of Snohomish County (SnoPUD) has proposed projects for Admiralty Inlet, Agate Pass,
Deception Pass, Guemes Channel, Rich Pass, San Juan
Channel and Spieden Channel. SnoPUD surrendered their permits for Agate
and Rich Passages in September of 2008 and are still proposing to
develop the remaining 5 sites. They are proposing to develop
a pilot project in Admiralty Inlet before proceeding with the remaining
sites.
The US Navy is planning to conduct a 1 year research study
using Verdant Power technologies in Puget Sound. The Navy has not
selected a site yet, but is looking at either end of Marrowstone Island
or Deception Pass. The turbines would supply power to local naval
facilities.
Tidal energy has the benefits of being a renewable energy source that is
predictable in time, duration, and production levels for the foreseeable future
with a high level of accuracy. It could also displace the need for other
non-renewable energy sources that contribute to global warming.
But there are also a lot of unknowns about the effects of tidal energy
development on marine resources. Studies have not been conducted to
identify the effects of these energy projects on marine life. As projects
are planned and developed in the United States and in Canada, studies will need
to be conducted to analyze the potential effects.
Development of tidal energy in Puget Sound has the additional problems of
being proposed at a time when millions of dollars are being spent on the
recovery of species listed under the Endangered Species Act. How would
development of tidal energy affect the recovery efforts of Puget Sound Chinook
Salmon, Hood Canal Chum Salmon, or the Southern Resident Orca Whales? How would
they affect bottom fish recovery plans? How may the proposed projects affect
sediment deposition by potentially slowing the currents through the project
areas? These and other questions will need to be answered as the project
proposals move forward.
