Clearing a Path to Commercialization of Marine Renewable Energy Technologies Through Public–Private Collaboration

Abstract

Governments are increasingly turning toward public–private partnerships to bring industry support to improving public assets or services. Here, we describe a unique public–private collaboration where a government entity has developed mechanisms to support public and private sector advancement and commercialization of monitoring technologies for marine renewable energy. These support mechanisms include access to a range of skilled personnel and test facilities that promote rapid innovation, prove reliability, and inspire creativity in technology development as innovations move from concept to practice. The ability to iteratively test hardware and software components, sensors, and systems can accelerate adoption of new methods and instrumentation designs. As a case study, we present the development of passive acoustic monitoring technologies customized for operation in energetic waves and currents. We discuss the value of testing different systems together, under the same conditions, as well as the progression through different test locations. The outcome is multiple, complementary monitoring technologies that are well suited to addressing an area of high environmental uncertainty and reducing barriers to responsible deployment of low-carbon energy conversion systems, creating solutions for the future.

Underwater Noise Measurements around a Tidal Turbine in a Busy Port Setting

“…The 0.5 m diameter, 0.8 m long egg-shaped flowshield was constructed of a sewn fabric (DriFit wicking spandex Ripstop™, 84% Polyester, 16% spandex) shell stretched over four 4.1 mm diameter spring-tempered stainless-steel ribs to enclose the hydrophone sensor (Figure 2b). The flow shield was custom built by adapting the proven and performance-tested University of Washington Drifting Acoustic Instrumentation System (DAISY) design [22,23]. Soft connection points were used between the surface float and hydrophone housing at depth to reduce the potential for mechanical system self-noise.…”

A Summary of Environmental Monitoring Recommendations for Marine Energy Development That Considers Life Cycle Sustainability

“…For instance, moving the measurement zones to accommodate flow characteristics and avoid site-specific obstacles (e.g., reefs, piers, pilings) might be required [11]. Additionally, for acoustic measurements of CECs, flow shield mitigation strategies are critical [24,25]. Another mitigation strategy is to use the ability to record at night with reduced boat traffic to improve data quality and enable recording during peak flows that occur during dark hours, along with higher turbine power generation states.…”

Validating a Tethered Balloon System and Optical Technologies for Marine Wildlife Detection and Tracking

“…The present study seeks to address existing uncertainties pertaining to the ecological ramifications of ME devices on marine wildlife, a critical factor impeding the regulatory process and leading to testing and deployment delays [1,27]. This investigation endeavors to provide preliminary validation to furnish essential baseline data regarding the presence or absence of marine wildlife surrogates that would later be utilized in marine areas zoned for ME extraction with live targets.…”