OES-Environmental distributes metadata forms (questionnaires) to solicit information from developers involved in environmental monitoring around marine renewable energy project sites around the world. This page provides project descriptions, baseline assessment, post-installation monitoring, and links to available data and reports. Content is updated on an annual basis.

SeaRAY Autonomous Offshore Power System 2022 Application Demonstration

Description

This project aims to advance the SeaRAY k2 autonomous offshore power system (AOPS) to commercial readiness. The SeaRAY k2 AOPS consists of the SeaRAY k2 WEC with fully integrated station keeping (or the ability to perform adjustments to maintain its position) and the capacity to collect and send data and store energy. It is designed to support unmanned offshore activities and equipment, including subsea vehicles, sensor packages, and operating equipment.

Location

The U.S. Navy Wave Energy Test Site is located north of Mōkapu Peninsula, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, O’ahu, Hawai’i. 

Licensing Information

In addition to the Navy’s NEPA review, which included an ESA consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service, two permits were obtained: a Nationwide Permit #5 (Scientific Devices) from the US Army Corps of Engineers and a blanket 401 Water Quality Certification from the Hawaiian Department of Health. The NEPA review, including the ESA consultation, has taken approximately 6-7 months to complete, while permitting with the Federal and State agencies took approximately three months.   

Project Progress

The deployment at the U.S. Navy Wave Energy Test Site is planned for 6 months starting summer 2024. 

Key Environmental Issues

The key environmental issues that the project will monitor are the noise and its effects to marine mammals and sea turtles, impacts of the MRE device on marine animal interactions and marine habitats. 

Papers, Reports, Research Studies

Baseline Assessment: SeaRAY Autonomous Offshore Power System 2022 Application Demonstration

Receptor Study Description Design and Methods Results Status
Physical Environment ROV survey of the area to be conducted prior to deployment. Sea Engineering to visually confirm payloads to deploy on sandy bottom. Planned

Post-Installation Monitoring: SeaRAY Autonomous Offshore Power System 2022 Application Demonstration

Stressor Receptor Study Description Design and Methods Results Status
Collision Fish BioSonics will join this project to monitor multiple stressors, specifically collusion risk, with support from PNNL's Triton Initiative. Planned
Noise Marine Mammals Sound levels were measured for a scaled operations for C-power SeaRAY WEC prototype in the Puget Sound, WA, USA. The prototype was deployed and sound levels were measured using a free drifting buoy (APL-UW SWIFT) 1m below the surface. Sound levels cannot be distinguished because of the other anthropogenic sources present in the site. Noise from the device also exhibits a periodic pattern because of the nature of waves. Study completed and published.
Habitat Change BioSonics will join this project to monitor multiple stressors, including habitat changes, with support from PNNL's Triton Initiative. Planned