Renewable Energy
From offshore wind farms to marine and hydrokinetic (MHK) devices, 48 NORTH has a rich history of supporting renewable energy systems in the marine environment.
Marine energy—power generated from ocean waves, currents, tides, and temperature changes—is the world's largest untapped renewable energy resource. We regularly partner with industries and federally funded laboratories to deploy marine energy devices, accelerate decarbonization, and advance the applicability of these technologies. We also provide a wide range of services for offshore wind development, including red flag reviews, siting support and permit acquisition, and environmental analyses. Having contributed to four offshore wind projects so far this year, we are well positioned to deliver innovative solutions throughout the project lifecycle. |
Featured Project:Naval Facilities (NAVFAC) Marine Energy Advancement Initiative
NAVFAC’s Marine Energy Advancement Initiative seeks to advance technologies for converting the energy in waves, currents, and wind into electricity for US Naval Facilities. Researchers at the Pacific Marine Energy Center (PMEC; formerly Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center), based at University of Washington’s Applied Physics Laboratory (APL-UW), are investigating the capabilities to characteristics of marine energy resources and integrate environment monitoring of marine energy deployments. As part of this effort, 48 NORTH is supporting PMEC with preparation of the environmental documentation in accordance with NEPA; a nationwide permit application for submission to the USACE; and state permit applications to the Washington Departments of Ecology, and Fish and Wildlife. We are also supporting the Endangered Species Act (ESA) consultation to assess the potential impacts to ESA-listed species. Phase I of the project involved the deployment of a Waverider buoy off San Nicolas Island, California to gain data for a detailed wave resource characterization. To complete the required environmental documentation 48 NORTH prepared a NEPA Record of Categorical Exclusion. Furthermore, 48 NORTH developed the project’s permit application to the USACE, LA District – we received a Nationwide Permit #5 only 22 hours after submittal of our application. For Phase II of the project, 48 NORTH has prepared all NEPA documentation, federal and state permit applications for open-water testing of scaled marine energy devices in Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Washington. Initial testing marine energy devices commenced in 2017. |