The first hydrokinetic, i.e., wave energy project in the US surrendered its license in February, 2009. Finavera Renewables put its Makah Bay project in the Pacific Northwest on hold to concentrate on other alternative energy sources and wave projects in Europe.
I wonder if that is related to the DOI and FERC announcement that they are going to simplify the process for wave energy permits. Before, it was not clear which agency had authority over these types of projects. Now, the FERC will oversee the development of hydrokinetic projects in navigable waters of the US relying on already established hydropower licensing policies. The DOI will regulate and oversee wind power projects that use offshore resources beyond state waters.
FERC will regulate wave energy from territorial waters; DOI will regulate wind energy harnessed from territorial waters.
(See “New Wave” post 3/16/2009 under “Science and Technology” for background information).
