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Audio/Video Files of Presentations, FERC Meetings & Conferences
Image Used by Permission of the Marine Current Turbines TM Limited |
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.
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January 29, 2009 SnoPUD files 4th 6 month progress report for all 7 permits
January 26, 2009 Seattle PI article "Navy looks to tap into Puget Sound tidal energy"
January 25, 2009 Everett Herald article "Navy, PUD both hunt for power from tides - The U.S. Navy wants to find out if tides are a viable source of future energy. January 12, 2009 Everett Herald article "PUD wishlist: $1 billion for green energy efforts " includes $10-15 million for tidal energy
September 23, 2008 Stanwood/Camano News Article "PUD tidal energy plan gets $1.2 million boost"
September 22, 2008 New York Times Article "Power From the Restless Sea Stirs the Imagination"
September 21, 2008 New Zealand Herald article "Protest about shifting sands" Protest development of 200 tidal turbines without knowing environmental effects.
September 18, 2008 Seattle PI Blog "Northwest nets $2.4 million for tidal energy research"
July 31, 2008 SnoPUD files 3rd 6 Month progress report to the FERC
July 31, 2008 Tacoma Power filed their 4th 6th month progress report to the FERC
June 24, 2008 FERC Order Granting Extension of Time
June 17, 2008 SnoPUD request for Extension of time
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