NNMREC is a partnering of OSU and UW to support wave and tidal energy development in the US

1. PresentationbeforeWashington State House Committee onTechnology, Energy, and CommunicationsNorthwest National Marine Renewable Energy CenterUniversity of WashingtonandBioSonics, Inc.December 5, 2008

2. NNMREC is a partnering of OSU and UW to support wave and tidal energy development in the US Oregon State University: Headquarters and Director Focus on Wave Energy College of Engineering, Oceanography, Hatfield Marine Sciences Center (Fisheries, Ecology) University of Washington: Co-Director Focus on Tidal Energy Mechanical Engineering, Oceanography, Applied Physics Laboratory Industry partners of UW: Snohomish PUD, BioSonics, PNWER, Verdant Power, EPRI

3. USDOE Funded Center Center award announced September 18, 2008. USDOE support for up to 5 years at $1.25MM per yr. Minimum 50% non-Federal cost share UW $2.7MM OSU $10.4MM

4. Benefits of Center Support the emerging fields of ocean and hydrokinetic energy with crucial capabilities for steady, reasoned development. Tap a significant renewable energy resource that is not now used – in an environmental responsible manner. Through research and education and interaction with industry and stakeholders, help build the foundation for renewable energy jobs in Washington.

5. Center Work Plan (UW) Mobile testing package: field measurements to select sites and assess site impact are expensive and time-consuming. Mobile testing packages, methodologies & baseline habitat measurements, with advanced instrument arrangements, are required for integration into the industry and regulatory process. Environmental impacts modeling: testing cannot answer all the questions. Computational modeling at both estuary and device scales is necessary. This hydrodynamic modeling is one of key capabilities in helping to determine the capacity of an estuary to support tidal turbines.

6. Work Plan (con’t) Device and array optimization: Intelligent placement of turbines and spacing of arrays depends of several factors: water current versus depth, turbine wake interaction, and marine biology. Field measurements, computer modeling, and lab experiments are used to tackle optimization. Device reliability and survivability: The capabilities of the UW-FAA Center on Advanced Materials are used to study composite materials for ocean energy devices. These materials have to ability to control bio-fouling and corrosion in sea water.

7. Tidal Resource • Very localized resource • Only economic in narrow channels • Many different limits • Existing uses • Environmental effects • Economics • Recent, preliminary resource estimate • 650 MW rated electrical capacity in Admiralty Inlet (~5% reduction in tidal regime) • Effects of site development are cumulative

8. Tidal Turbines • Two pilot tests proposed for Puget Sound • Snohomish PUD in northern Admiralty Inlet • Verdant Power/Navy around Marrowstone Island • Momentum worldwide for pilot and commercial projects

9. UW Applied Physics Lab • Ocean science + instrumentation to meet national needs, beginning with US Navy in WWII. • Transition oceanographic expertise to become leader in marine renewable energy, with significant growth potential • Emphasize quantitative methods, standardization, and technology transfer Photo: C. Linder

10. Field Measurements R/V Jack Robertson • Surveys and long-term deployments to inform: • Site developers: cost & power projections • Device developers: wakes, efficiency • Regulators: potential effects

11. Baseline Biological Information • Marine Habitat information before project installation; • Bottom habitat • Submerged vegetation • Fish abundance, distribution, behavior • Marine mammal activity • Use Baseline data to guide project deployment & operation • Use Baseline data to guide operational monitoring needs