Using Adaptive Management to Resolve Uncertainties for Wave and Tidal Energy Projects

Abstract

As the nation clamors for new renewable energy sources, hydrokinetic technologies—including wave, current, tidal, and in-stream energy technologies—offer promising additions to the grid. Placing new technologies in ocean and tidal environments, which contain vast, sometimes sensitive resources but are, surprisingly, relatively unstudied, presents a challenge to agencies and developers alike as the industry strives to move through initial project-permitting stages in an efficient but environmentally responsible manner. “Adaptive management” approaches can allow projects to be permitted and installed while providing agencies and other stakeholders the opportunity to verify their anticipated impacts. Moreover, where actual impacts exceed expectations, an adaptive management approach allows agencies to address such impacts consistent with existing regulatory standards intended to protect marine resources.

Keywords

• marine renewable energy
• adaptive management
• ocean energy