Abstract
Renewable energy technologies offer the promise of non-polluting alternatives to fossil and nuclear-fueled power plants to meet growing demand for electrical energy. Two emerging categories of renewable energy technologies, hydrokinetic and wave energy conversion devices, offer ways to tap the energy of moving water without impoundment (dams) or diversion required by many conventional hydroelectric facilities. These technologies include devices designed for deployment in natural streams, tidal estuaries, ocean currents, and constructed waterways, as well as devices designed to capture the energy of ocean waves.
On 26-28 October 2005, 54 representatives from government, non-governmental organizations, and private business met to:
- Identify the varieties of hydrokinetic energy and wave technology devices, their stages of development, and the projected cost to bring each to market;
- Identify where these technologies can best operate;
- Identify the potential environmental issues associated with these technologies and possible mitigation measures;
- Develop a list of research needs and/or practical solutions to address unresolved environmental issues.
These Workshop Proceedings include detailed summaries of the presentations made and the discussions that followed.