ocean observations
not normally found in the marine science & technology market, will be needed? If so, can you identify some of these?
SD There are numerous technology challenges the industry faces. First and foremost is the overall lack of detailed offshore meteorological, oceanographic and other supporting data to accurately site a project. Investors who are backing an offshore wind farm development require about 2 years of site specific meteorological data from a MET tower at the hub height of the wind turbine, usually 80 meters. These are critical measurements since the potential kinetic energy is proportional to the cube of the wind speed. Similar challenges exist for other types of offshore configurations where there are minimal site specific wave height measurements and limited detailed ocean current measurements available. In addi-
tion, offshore avian studies could benefit from technological advances and consistent methods of observation and recording of migratory patterns. New technologies are needed and are being developed. SODAR and LIDAR systems that can measure the entire wind field up to 200 meters are being deployed. When MET towers are constructed, numerous other sensors can be incorporated onto the platform, which can then be folded into ocean observation system. Here in RI, a cabled offshore research observatory for meteorological, oceanographic and seabed measurement could serve as a component in the emerging Northeast Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS).
What can be learned from proven experience that some European countries (especially Scandinavia and the UK) have in this space? Are we
currently reaching out to the European offshore renewable energy technology and infrastructure developers to gain knowledge and/or to work together in some fashion?
SD Many models and guidelines have been developed by our colleagues overseas. As part of the Ocean SAMP process we are considering the steps taken by these successful regulators and developers in the siting of their respective projects. Our Ocean SAMP team members were briefed recently by an individual who previously worked for the Crown Estate in Britain on their process to approve offshore wind farms. The Center of Excellence for Offshore Renewable Energy (RORE) was established in November of 2007 with an initial grant of $125K from the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (RIOER) using the RI Renewable Energy Fund. Following a very successful career as a NOAA Commissioned Officer, RADM Sam De Bow Jr. was selected as Director of RORE in May of 2008. The Center intends to pursue funding for its research activities from specific government agencies (e.g. RIOER, US Department of Energy (DOE), the Minerals Management Service (MMS), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and others with interests in offshore renewable energy). Proposals to industry will also be pursued to diversify the funding base and to develop industry-academic partnered projects that will advance basic research in this field into developed technology. For further information on RORE please contact Sam De Bow Jr. at: sam.debow@gso.uri.edu
March 2009
16 MTR
You don't have Macromedia Flash Player installed.
This content requires the Macromedia Flash Player.
Get Flash
www.marinelink.com