USA: MREC Conducts Second Round of Ocean Technology Testing

New milestones in the effort to transform the region into an international hub of ocean-related energy technology research and development were hailed last week at a press conference held by the UMass Dartmouth-based New England Marine Renewable Energy Center (MREC). Several marine energy technology devices were on display at the event, which was held at Union Wharf in Fairhaven.

The gathering preceded the launching of a barge carrying marine energy technology devices to the waters off Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket to test the technology’s energy producing capabilities and environmental impacts.

Two marine renewable energy devices were on display: UMass Dartmouth Professor Daniel McDonald’s device, which harnesses tidal wave energy on piers, and Boston-based Resolute Marine Energy’s device, which uses the motion of waves near shore to generate electricity. Another company, Free Flow Power of Boston, is developing a tidal device to be used in rivers.

Resolute Marine Energy is working with MREC to test a wave energy capturing device that sits in the surf zone but far below the water level. Because extracting energy to create electricity removes power from waves, further testing may determine if devices like these can reduce beach erosion.

MREC has now begun testing a new way to use radar to create clean energy more efficiently. Because operating turbines efficiently requires precise, real-time data on wind patterns, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution will deploy a new radar station in Madaket on Nantucket. With help from a radar station on Martha’s Vineyard, MREC said it will now be able to measure with greater precision the wind and wave climates 40 miles off the coast.

MREC and the Patrick Administration’s Energy and Environmental Affairs office are currently working with the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on securing a renewable energy research lease that would allow for expanded testing of wind and water power technologies.

U.S. Congressman William Keating said a MREC agreement, called a “CRADA,” with the federal National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) applies new national renewable energy industry standards for testing wind, wave and tidal energy devices and infrastructure in waters off Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

“Today’s announcements illustrate how UMass Dartmouth’s long-term investments in research are starting to pay off for our region and the entire Commonwealth,” said Chancellor Divina Grossman. “With our public and private partners, we’re proving that marine renewables are good for the environment and good for business.”

“Public and private entities in Massachusetts have demonstrated their commitment to remaining a leader in clean energy investment, research, and development,” said Congressman William Keating. “And there is still more potential for real federal, regional, industrial and academic collaboration as well as clean energy jobs on the South Coast. I, like the innovators working on this project, want to further wind and water power technologies and I am proud to be a part of a community that is truly committed to reducing its dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels.”

Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources Commissioner and Fairhaven resident Mark Sylvia said: “For a region whose economic future has been intertwined with the sea, and a state that’s investing in its clean energy future, it is fitting for Massachusetts to be working with so many partners to understand how the sea can again contribute to our environmental and economic goals. As a native son of the South Coast, I’m proud to see so much positive energy focused on offshore energy potential.” 

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Offshore WIND Staff, July 20, 2012; Image: Resolute Marine Energy