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March 27, 2007

Hybrid Offshore Ocean Power and Wind Facilities

Has anyone thought of combining offshore wind farms with ocean renewable energy technology? For example, could we use the offshore base of the wind turbine to produce energy from waves, tides, or currents? -- Hillary B., Danbury, CT

Combined offshore wind, wave and tidal projects, also known as "hybrids," hold great commercial potential down the line when wave and tidal technologies have become more established. At that point, wave and tidal production might compensate for the intermittency of offshore wind, while economies of scale developed from offshore wind could accelerate cost reduction for wave and tidal components. In the near term, however, discussion of hybrid offshore wind, wave and tidal projects is limited to demonstration or pilot projects. In particular, there has been discussion of siting hybrid offshore wind and wave and/or tidal projects at decommissioned oil rigs, which would serve as a platform for an offshore wind turbine and a tether for wave or tidal technologies. Moreover, jurisdictional conflicts and not just technological constraints may inhibit development of commercial hybrids. Different regulatory bodies such as Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Corps of Engineers and various state agencies have principle authority for licensing wave/tidal and offshore wind projects respectively in state waters, while FERC and the Minerals Management Service (MMS) are engaged in disputes over regulatory authority for wave and tidal projects on the Outer Continental Shelf. We expect these regulatory constraints to be resolved by the time hybrid projects become more viable. In the meantime, developers are exploring hybrid possibilities for offshore wind and conventional fuel sources. The UK recently approved a unique hybrid offshore wind/natural gas project, which would generate power from wind while it is blowing, and natural gas when winds die down. (See discussion on this project and others linked below). Also, some liquified natural gas (LNG) developers have discussed the possibility of incorporating offshore wind to make the LNG terminal more palatable to local residents. There are many possibilities for offshore hybrid electrical generation facilities. While there are still many technical and regulatory hurdles to overcome, it is only a matter of time before these types of hybrid systems become more widespread.
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Reader Comments (8)
 
No image available
March 28, 2007
An excellent idea. Abandoned offshore drilling platforms may have a third source of power: geothermal energy from deep abandoned oil or gas wells. Ormat (ORA) has a lease to develop abandoned offshore wells in Texas using the temperature differential between deep in the well and the cool gulf water:
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070207/geothermal_energy.html?.v=3
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=20163
Comment 1 of 8
No image available
March 28, 2007
I am at a loss to understand comment 1 above with regard to turbidity (defined as a lack of clarity in water, caused by suspended solids) harnessers. I quote:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbidity
The major barrier seems to be the bureaucratic power struggles. Luckily, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R) TX has entered the lists and may be able to bring some power to bear.
Comment 2 of 8
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March 28, 2007
Excellent idea. Get the regulatory agencies straightened out and pour some money into it, but every dime of taxpayer used should give the taxpayer stock ownership in the company that is funded. That goes for oil company subsidies too.
Comment 3 of 8
No image available
March 28, 2007
Marine Current Turbines, Seaflow, Devon in England. Yes, it has certainly been thought of. there are over 1,000 wave energy devices patented, the first in 1799. Bear in mind however, that while wave energy does no harm at all ecologically, turbidity harnessers will undoubtedly have an effect on ecology, negating the benefits of clean, green wave energy harnessing in the eyes of many.
Comment 4 of 8
No image available
March 29, 2007
Meant turbidity currents - sorry.
Comment 5 of 8
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March 30, 2007
Sean - any thoughts about why there isn't more attention/interest in pure ocean power technology? There's a steady interest from investors in this sector but it's not getting an equivalent level of media attention.

I've done some analysis on this here: http://www.libraryhouse.net/blog/2007/03/30/ocean-power-rides-cleantech-wave/
Comment 6 of 8
No image available
March 31, 2007
Hybrid Synergy

Combined offshore wind, wave and tidal are the projects we hold dear,
Know as hybrids with great potential future tech whose mark is clear,
For essential to the growing of ocean wind and waves,
We access the situation and provide it with our praise.

Knowing that the site's important we urge studies be done,
For locations combining sources that will surely max the sum,
Wind, wave and tidal, working together to provide us energy,
Stable current, saving fossil with a useful synergy.

adrianakau@aol.com
Comment 7 of 8
No image available
April 3, 2007
Hybrid Synergy (Rewritten)

Combined wind and wave extraction power projects we hold dear,
Known as hybrids great potential future tech whose mark is clear,
For essential to conversion from the force of wind and waves,

We access the situation giving it our highest praise.

Knowing that the site's important we urge studies soon be done,
For locations place together sources that will max the sum,
Wind and wave force add together generating energy,
Stable force replacing fossil through a useful synergy.

adrianakau@aol.com
Comment 8 of 8
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