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Economy: Energy Production in Coastal States and U.S. Offshore Waters

There is great interest in testing and developing a wide range of renewable sources of energy from the ocean.

New technology applications in Hawaii to California to Massachusetts are exploring if renewable sources of energy from the ocean can help our Nation secure reliable and affordable supplies of energy, especially from less-polluting alternative sources. These projects seek to extract energy from the movement of ocean water due to tides, currents, or waves; from the temperature differential between hot and cold ocean water; and from strong winds in offshore ocean environments.

Location is a key component for renewable ocean energy planning, and determining areas that provide the greatest potential for energy return will have to be identified. The siting of energy projects in coastal and ocean environments must also consider potential impacts to ecological resources, nearby communities, existing commercial and recreational activities, and aesthetics.

This map provides a snaphost of current permits and leases for federal renewable ocean energy projects issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE). FERC has authority over marine and hydrokinetic projects, while BOEMRE has authority over offshore wind projects and plays a role in outer continental shelf hydrokinetic projects (FERC, 2012; BOEM, 2012c)

View Larger Image. Locations and status of Federal renewable ocean enery projects.

Oregon State University's Pacific Storm pulls a wave energy buoy and tests it in the open ocean. Credit: Oregon State University

For more information:

NOAA's Digital Coast - Screening Potential Locations for Offshore Wind Energy Projects

FERC Hydrokinetic Projects

BOEM Renewable Energy

NOAA: Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion

Closer Look

• Renewable Energy from an Ocean in Motion

• The U.S. Gulf Region's Contribution to U.S. Energy Production

• Natural Resources Demands of Coastal Power Plants

Relevant Links

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) State Energy Profiles
http://www.eia.doe.gov/state/

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE)
http://www.boemre.gov/

NOAA Energy
http://www.energy.noaa.gov/