Potential environmental effects of the leading edge hydrokinetic energy technology.

Final report; Nov 2014- May 2017PDFTech ReportDOT-VNTSC-DOE-17-01DE-AR0000504HydrofoilsTechnology assessmentRenewable energy sourcesEnvironmental impactsElectromagnetic fieldsPort structuresRegulationsPrototype testsAcousticsUnited StatesJohn A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)Sudderth, Erika A.Lewis, Kristin C.Cumper, JordanMangar, AbygailFlynn, Dan F.B.John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)United States. Advanced Research Projects AgencyNTL-ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT-Alternative FuelsNTL-ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT-ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTVolpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference CenterThe Volpe Center evaluated potential environmental challenges and benefits of the ARPA-E funded research project, Marine Hydrokinetic Energy Harvesting Using Cyber-Physical Systems, led by Brown University. The \ue2\u20ac\u153Leading Edge\ue2\u20ac? research team developed and tested an innovative hydrofoil-type power conversion device to capture energy from flowing water. The technology could provide low-carbon energy to power remote homes/businesses, port and marine facilities, or other coastal facilities, among other uses. This primary aim of this study was to assess which potential environmental impacts of the Leading Edge technology are similar to other tidal energy devices and which might be unique. This report identifies best practices and mitigation measures that could minimize environmental risk during design and deployment of hydrokinetic energy devices. To support future permitting processes, this report includes a summary of NEPA requirements and information that could contribute to a site-specific environmental impact assessment. Volpe also collected environmental data during Leading Edge prototype testing and found that for a vessel-mounted stationary deployment, alteration of water currents and acoustic impacts are likely to be at the lower range of possible impacts