Marine Renewable Energy Solutions for Island and Remote Communities

Transcription

1 Marine Renewable Energy Solutions for Island and Remote Communities Presented to The Island Institute s Island Energy Conference Belfast, Maine October 18, 2013 Nathan Johnson, Director of Environmental Affairs

2 About ORPC Established in 2004 to develop new technology and eco-conscious projects that generate emission-free electricity from rivers and oceans while creating substantial local economic benefits Modular, effective and proven core technology component (turbine generator unit, or TGU) with low vertical profile that has been adapted for tidal, river and deep water ocean current applications An industry leader in development of hydrokinetic energy projects, including community, agency and other stakeholder outreach, environmental protocols, monitoring and licensing, supply chain development, and maximizing community economic opportunities Headquartered in Portland, Maine; operations center in Eastport, Maine; and project development office in Anchorage, Alaska. Currently 25 employees. 2

3 August 2012 Making History Cobscook Bay TidGen Power System is the first hydrokinetic ocean energy project to deliver power to an electric utility grid in all of the Americas. 3

4 Cobscook Bay Tidal Energy Project Insert 3 minute video: 4

5 Energy Supply Issues in Remote Communities Island and remote communities are consumers of energy that is not often affordable, reliable or accessible to them, greatly impacting their sustainability. Energy supply to remote communities is almost always imported from elsewhere. Responsible and sustainable development of renewable and extractive energy resources is a challenge (and an opportunity) in remote communities. Because of isolation and low population densities, energy supply issues in remote communities are not in the forefront when energy policy is being developed. 5

6 Remote Renewable Energy Development Challenges The harsh weather, fragile environment, isolation and unique cultures make sustainable development of any kind a challenge. Introducing new technology into remote environments adds a whole new level of complexity. Because populations are small and dispersed over large areas, communities don t offer the same profit potential as large cities. Opportunities Many island and remote communities have abundant renewable energy resources, including wind, solar, geothermal, river and tidal current, and wave energy. The avoided cost of new electricity supply is very high. Technology exists today for integrating different types of renewable energy into a complete energy supply solution. Remote communities are motivated and committed to new solutions. 6

7 Igiugig, Alaska Demonstration Project on the Kvichak River River hydrokinetic project utilizing ORPC s RivGen Power System Native village with high cost of power and diesel generation 7

8 The Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association contracted ORPC to complete a tidal and ocean current resource assessment. The Aleutian Pribilof Community Development Association, Benthic GeoScience, NREL and TerraSond helped to complete the survey. False Pass, Alaska Tidal Energy Project 8

9 Chile Project Opportunities Significant river and tidal hydrokinetic resources Vulnerable infrastructure, remote communities, high cost of power RFP to be announced soon ($14M USD for wave and tidal energy demo projects) 9

10 Yakutat, Alaska Wave Energy Project Community of 650 depends upon diesel generators for electricity Diesel fuel shipped by barge from Anacortes, WA (>1,100 miles) Fuel prices have been in the range of $ $8.00/gal. 10

11 New England Opportunities Muskeget Channel Located between Martha s Vineyard and Nantucket The community is evaluating offshore wind and tidal energy projects. Proposing 5 MW tidal energy project FERC preliminary permit Town of Edgartown (municipal preference) Communities at the end of the power grid, vulnerable to power supply interruption 11

12 Technology & Project Developers Renewable energy expertise New technology Replication Success Model Remote Communities & Companies Community Support Local knowledge & expertise Infrastructure Government Policies promoting development Sensible regulations Funding assistance Successful Projects Reliable, economic, sustainable energy supply for and by remote peoples that create jobs and other long term economic opportunities 12

13 Thank You! Nathan Johnson Director of Environmental Affairs (207)