Identification and Prioritization of Analysis Cases for Marine and Hydrokinetic Energy Risk Screening

Abstract

SummaryIn this report we present an introduction to the Environmental Risk Evaluation System (ERES), a risk-informed analytical process for estimating the environmental risks associated with the construction and operation of marine and hydrokinetic energy generation projects. The process consists of two main phases of analysis. In the first phase, preliminary risk analyses will take the form of screening studies in which key environmental impacts and the uncertainties that create risk are identified, leading to a betterfocused characterization of the relevant environmental effects. Existence of critical data gaps will suggest areas in which specific modeling and/or data collection activities should take place. In the second phase, more detailed quantitative risk analyses will be conducted, with residual uncertainties providing the basis for recommending risk mitigation and monitoring activities.We also describe in detail the process used for selecting three cases for fiscal year 2010 risk screening analysis using the ERES. A case is defined as a specific technology deployed in a particular location involving certain environmental receptors specific to that location. The three cases selected satisfy a number of desirable criteria: 1) they correspond to real projects whose deployment is likely to take place in the foreseeable future; 2) the technology developers are willing to share technology and project-related data; 3) the projects represent a diversity of technology-site-receptor characteristics; 4) the projects are of national interest, and 5) environmental effects data may be available for the projects. iv Project OverviewEnergy generated from the world's oceans and rivers offers the potential to make substantial contributions to the domestic and global renewable energy supply. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Wind and Water Power Program supports the emerging marine and hydrokinetic (MHK) energy industry. As an emerging industry, MHK project developers face challenges with siting, permitting, construction, and operation of pilot-and commercial-scale facilities, as well as the need to develop robust technologies, secure financing, and gain public acceptance.In many cases, little is known about the potential effects of MHK energy generation on the aquatic environment from a small number of devices or a large-scale commercial array. Nor do we understand potential effects that may occur after years or decades of operation. This lack of knowledge affects the solvency of the industry, the actions of regulatory agencies, the opinions and concerns of stakeholder groups, and the commitment of energy project developers and investors.To unravel and address the complexity of environmental issues associated with MHK, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is developing a program of research and development that draws on the knowledge of the industry, regulators, and stakeholders and builds on investments made by the EERE Wind and Water Power Program. The P...

Applying risk science and stakeholder engagement to overcome environmental barriers to marine and hydrokinetic energy projects

“…The ERES team has adopted the definitions of stressors and receptors to explain the interaction of MHK devices in the marine environment: stressors are those portions or systems of MHK devices, anchors and connectors that may cause harm to marine organisms or the marine environment; receptors are those parts of the marine ecosystem that could be affected by MHK-related stressors [13]. By examining the broad range of interactions between specific stressors and marine receptors, PNNL will determine the factors that pose the most significant risks to the environment, allowing for the development of practical mitigation strategies [14]. The outcome of the process will also help direct efficient and proportional monitoring of operational MHK devices after deployment.…”

Environmental Risk Evaluation System (ERES) for Offshore Wind - Mock-Up of ERES, Fiscal Year 2010 Progress Report

“…The analysis begins at the analysis case as (in the lower blue box) which specifies the project phase (e.g. installation, operation or decommissioning), system design (e.g., base and rotor design, layout of wind farm), and the project site (Anderson et al 2010). The analysis case would also identify different receptors (e.g., marine species and food webs, human uses) that might be at risk due to wind farm installation and operation, as well as…”