USA: Experts to Discuss Marine Energy at Upcoming Event

As marine hydrokinetic technologies continue moving from concept to commercial viability, an international panel of experts is convening in Denver, Colo., to discuss this emerging sector of the hydropower industry.

With a number of research groups believing hundreds of gigawatts-worth of electricity can be had from ocean-, tidal- and wave-powered generating units, marine energy will continue growing in prominence as countries across the world look to reduce their carbon emissions with innovative renewable sources.

Included in the expert discussion are:

• Sean O’Neill, Ocean Renewable Energy Coalition, United States
• Jarrett Goldsmith, GL Garrad Hassan, United States
• Jeff Hammond, Principal – Business Development, Ecology and Environment Inc., United States
• Tom Hickman, Oregon Iron Works, United States
• Reenst Lesseman, CEO, Columbia Power Technologies, United States
• Wolfgang Maier, Head of Business Development, Voith Hydro Ocean Current Technologies GmbH&Co KG, Germany
• Ann Miles, Deputy Director, Office of Energy Projects, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, United States

The session, called, “The Pathway to a Mature Marine Hydrokinetics Industry”, is included as part of HydroVision International 2013’s Ocean/Tidal/Stream Power track.

The panel will discuss what a mature ocean power industry might look like, the technologies required to move from single unit installations to multi-unit generating sites, and what actions need to be taken to achieve those goals.

“With marine hydrokinetics emerging as a hot topic across the globe, we want HydroVision International to become a gathering place for people to learn and talk about this sector of the hydropower industry,” said Marla Barnes, event director and publisher of PennWell’s Hydro Group.

The two-hour session begins at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24, and is one of 73 being offered in HydroVision International 2013’s educational slate that includes seven program tracks, three technical paper tracks and poster gallery.

HydroVision International 2013 is the world’s largest event dedicated entirely to the hydropower industry. This year’s conference and exhibition runs July 23-26 at Denver’s Colorado Convention Center.

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Press release, July 16, 2013; Image: Carbon Trust