PNNL

Abstract

Marine renewable energy (MRE) harnesses energy from the ocean and provides a low carbon sustainable energy source for national grids and remote uses. The international MRE industry is in the early stages of development, focused largely on tidal and riverine turbines, and wave energy converters (WECs), to harness energy from tides, run of the river, and waves, respectively. Although MRE supports climate change mitigation, there are concerns that MRE devices and systems could affects portions of the marine and river environment. The greatest concern for tidal and river turbines is the potential for animals to be injured or killed by collision with rotating blades. Other risks associated with MRE device operation include the potential for turbines and WECs to cause disruption from: underwater noise emissions; emissions of electromagnetic fields; changes in benthic and pelagic habitats; changes in oceanographic processes; entanglement of large marine animals; and displacement of animals from preferred habitats. The accumulated knowledge of interactions of MRE devices with animals and habitats is summarized here, along with a discussion of preferred management methods for encouraging MRE development in an environmentally responsible manner.