Potential Environmental Effects of the Leading Edge Hydrokinetic Energy Technology

The Volpe Center evaluated potential environmental challenges and benefits of the Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E) funded research project, Marine Hydrokinetic Energy Harvesting Using Cyber-Physical Systems, led by Brown University. The “Leading Edge” research team developed and tested an innovative hydrofoil-type power conversion device to capture energy from flowing water. The technology could provide low-carbon energy to power remote homes/businesses, port and marine facilities, or other coastal facilities, among other uses. This primary aim of this study was to assess which potential environmental impacts of the Leading Edge technology are similar to other tidal energy devices and which might be unique. This report identifies best practices and mitigation measures that could minimize environmental risk during design and deployment of hydrokinetic energy devices. To support future permitting processes, this report includes a summary of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements and information that could contribute to a site-specific environmental impact assessment. Volpe also collected environmental data during Leading Edge prototype testing and found that for a vessel-mounted stationary deployment, alteration of water currents and acoustic impacts are likely to be at the lower range of possible impacts.

• 
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/12471
• Corporate Authors:

  Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

  Cambridge, MA  United States  02142

  Department of Energy

  Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy
  Washington, DC  United States 
• Authors:
  • Sudderth, Erika A
  • Lewis, Kristin C
  • Cumper, Jordan
  • Mangar, Abygail C
  • Flynn, Dan F B
• Publication Date: 2017-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Bibliography; Figures; Maps; Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: 171p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Best practices; Energy conversion; Environmental impacts; Hydroelectric power generation; Hydrofoils; Prototype tests; Technological innovations
• Identifier Terms: National Environmental Policy Act
• Subject Areas: Energy; Environment; Hydraulics and Hydrology; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01635108
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT-VNTSC-DOE-17-01, DE-AR0000504
• Contract Numbers: VXQ800
• Files: NTL, TRIS, RITA, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: May 24 2017 11:07AM