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Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii – Project at Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH)
Objective of the Project:
Demonstrate the potential of wave power to reduce fossil fuel consumption at Navy and Marine bases around the world and comply with Executive Order 13423 which requires half of renewable energy purchases to come from new renewable sources.
Recent Activity:
In December 2009, Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. deployed one of its PowerBuoys® at the US Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) at Kaneohe Bay. The Oahu PowerBuoy was launched under the Company's ongoing program with the US Navy for ocean testing and demonstration of PowerBuoys. This PowerBuoy is unique in that it incorporates advanced design features into OPT’s proprietary PowerBuoy platform for improved efficiency. The sea trials have produced power in accordance with the system’s specifications for local wave conditions.
The PowerBuoy deployment site is located approximately three-quarters of a mile off the coast in 100 feet of water. Compact and modular in design, the PB40 PowerBuoy is less than 12 feet in diameter and 55 feet long. It is based on OPT's proprietary design which is primarily below the sea surface when deployed, with minimal visual impact. Deployment of the PowerBuoy was supported by Hawaiian diver and workboat subcontractors.
OPT is proud of the support which it has received from officials at the Marine Corps Base in Hawaii and the US Navy. This reflects the Navy’s long-term commitment to renewable energy and reducing its dependence on fuel oil shipments. Many of its naval bases around the world are suitable for OPT’s wave power stations.
Hawaii Wave Energy Technology (WET) Program Accomplishments
• Subsea and utility grid cables deployed and on-shore station installed
• In-ocean experience from three buoy deployments
• PowerBuoy interface with the electrical utility power grid certified as compliant with international standards.
• Validated hydrodynamic modeling using actual measurements through wave tank and ocean testing
• Refined and ocean tested PowerBuoy tuning software (tunes buoy to wave frequency)
• Environmental Assessment (EA) resulted in a Finding Of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for up to six buoys
Environmental Assessment
The OPT wave power project at Oahu underwent an extensive environmental assessment by an independent environmental firm in accordance with the National Environment Policy Act (NEPA). This study featured evaluation of potential impacts on: the seabed, fish and benthic organisms, mammals, vegetation, and water quality. The project study resulted in a finding of no significant impact (FONSI), which is the highest such environmental rating. The results of this study are included in a draft Report to Congress being prepared by the US Department of Energy titled “Potential Environmental Effects of Marine and Hydrokinetic Technologies”.
Acknowledgements
Ocean Power Technologies gratefully acknowledges the support of the personnel at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), the Office of Naval Research (ONR), the Naval Facilities Command (NAVFAC), and Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center (NFESC) for their continued support, technical expertise, and assistance in the development of this abundant renewable energy resource. OPT also wants to acknowledge the support of the Hawaiian Congressional delegation which wants to lower the state’s dependence on fossil fuel and promote the use of wave energy and other renewable sources in Hawaii
OPT and the US Navy have been jointly advancing PowerBuoy technology for a number of years. This has resulted in significant advances to the PowerBuoy design and increased operational efficiency.
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