Technology that harvests electricity from ocean currents receives US funding

The United States Department of Energy awarded an $800,000 grant to Florida Atlantic University (FAU) to ensure commercial readiness of ocean energy technologies.

FAU’s Southeastern National Marine Renewable Energy Center (SNMREC) is beginning a groundbreaking feasibility study to establish an ocean current testing facility off Palm Beach County. The study is claimed to be the first of its kind, drawing on world-class marine energy expertise.

The study will seek to harness the power of ocean currents to produce clean, renewable energy off the coast of Southeast Florida and explore the commercial readiness of this energy.

Blue energy industry cluster in Southeast Florida

The vision of a blue energy hub in Southeast Florida marks a major advance in renewable energy technology. “Southeast National Maritime Renewable Energy’s blue vision energy “The center in Southeast Florida represents a significant step forward in renewable energy technology.” in question Gregg Fields, Ph.D., FAU vice president for research.

“By establishing a special testing facility, the oceans currents To become a major player in our clean energy environment. “Thanks to our strong connections in the marine energy sector and the expertise of our partners, the region is poised to become a global leader in ocean current energy innovation.”

Collaborating with a team of experts from The City of Lake Worth Beach Electric Utility, European Marine Energy, 3U Technologies and others, SNMREC aims to create blue energy industry cluster in Southeast Florida.

The agency plans to expand the industry to cover all aspects of the ocean at service scale flow Energy projects, including turbine development, subsea cables and marine services, strengthen its role at the ClimateReady Technology Center and Marine Research Centre.

FAU argues that active ocean current testing facilities do not exist worldwide, although some locations may be suitable. The only place in the US where the Gulf Stream is close to shore is North Carolina, but this is not ideal. Similar facilities for tidal and wave energy have existed for decades.

“Ocean energy from waves, currents and slopes can be used to provide electricity and help coastal areas achieve energy independence. For marine energy to be attractive at a utility scale, it must be abundant, predictable and constantly available. Among marine energy options, only open ocean energy such as the Florida Current is available.” “The currents offer these features in the United States,” he said. Press release.

Grid-connected offshore testing facility

The challenge is to develop efficient, reliable and cost-effective technologies to capture ocean current energy. SNMREC will evaluate the feasibility of a grid-connected offshore test facility in the Florida Current to ensure these technologies can be integrated safely and economically.

The study’s strategy aims to focus on establishing a grid connection as quickly as possible, ensuring compatibility with various marine energy and blue economy technologies, phasing future construction to manage risks and costs, integrating regional economic opportunities, and engaging stakeholders throughout the process. .

said Gabriel Alsenas, principal investigator and director of SNMREC, FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. highlighted Before any marine energy project can be successful, it is crucial to ensure that all aspects of the project can be integrated at full scale safely and economically; This is only possible with a dedicated offshore testing facility connected to the grid.

Alsenas emphasized that testing prototypes under real-world conditions helps refine the technology, verify performance, and reduce technical and financial risks before projects are scaled for widespread use.