Short Science Summary: Benefits and Effects

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Marine Renewable Energy: Benefits and Effects

Technologies that harvest energy from the movement of water in oceans and large rivers are under development around the world. Marine renewable energy (MRE) devices are designed to take advantage of tidal currents, fast flowing rivers, and waves, as well as ocean currents and natural gradients of temperature and salinity in ocean waters. The potential benefits that MRE can bring to nations and stakeholders are driving research studies, development of engineering systems, and experimental deployments of wave energy converters, as well as tidal and river turbines, in coastal areas. These studies, trials, and experiments are the leading edge of the development of an international MRE industry that is adding to the renewable energy portfolio of many nations. As this development occurs, it is essential that MRE projects not harm valuable and often fragile marine populations, habitats, and systems in the oceans. The responsible development of the MRE industry is informed by science-based understanding of the potential effects of MRE installations worldwide.

This Short Science Summary was developed based on the OES-Environmental 2020 State of the Science Report: Environmental Effects of Marine Renewable Energy Development Around the World, specifically Chapter 1: Marine Renewable Energy and Ocean Energy Systems and Chapter 2: Marine Renewable Energy: Environmental Effects and Monitoring Strategies. 

The table below contains the literature relevant to this summary document and will continue to be updated as new literature is added to Tethys.

Title Author Date Content Type Technology Stressor Receptor
Assessing the Environmental Impact of the Annapolis Tidal Power Project Tidmarsh, W. Journal Article Marine Energy, Tidal Physical Environment, Fish
Tropical Island Applications for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Ford, J., Toms, A. Conference Paper Marine Energy, OTEC Human Dimensions
Waterborne Noise Due to Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Plants Janota, C., Thompson, D. Journal Article OTEC, Marine Energy Noise
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion: Environmental Effects Assessment Program Plan, 1981-85 NOAA Office of Ocean Minerals and Energy Report OTEC, Marine Energy
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Final Environmental Impact Statement National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Report Marine Energy, OTEC Chemicals, Habitat Change, Noise Human Dimensions, Environmental Impact Assessment
The Potential Environmental Consequences of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Plants Walsh, J. Workshop Article Marine Energy, OTEC Chemicals, Habitat Change Physical Environment, Water Quality
Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC): Social and environmental issues Lavi, A., Lavi, G. Journal Article Marine Energy, OTEC Chemicals Physical Environment, Water Quality
Environmental Impact Assessment for Operational OTEC Platforms Sands, M. Conference Paper Marine Energy, OTEC Human Dimensions, Environmental Impact Assessment
Ten Years of Experience at the La Rance Tidal Power Plant Andre, H. Journal Article Tidal, Marine Energy
Assessment and Control of OTEC Ecological Impacts Wilde, P., Sandusky, J., Jassby, A. Report OTEC, Marine Energy Habitat Change, Chemicals Legal & Policy, Human Dimensions
Assessment and Control of OTEC Physical Environmental Impacts Ditmars, J. Conference Paper Marine Energy, OTEC Habitat Change Physical Environment
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Development Under U.S. and International Law and Institutions Nanda, V. Journal Article Marine Energy, OTEC Human Dimensions, Legal & Policy
Field Experiments on the Attraction of Pelagic Fish to Floating Objects Hunter, J., Mitchell, C. Journal Article Marine Energy Attraction, Habitat Change Fish, Pelagic Fish
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