Feasibility assessment of offshore wave and tidal current power production: a collaborative public/private partnership

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and EPRIsolutions are conducting collaborative power production feasibility definition studies on offshore wave energy and tidal current energy on behalf of a number of public and private entities. The outcome of the offshore wave study, which began in 2004, is a compelling techno-economic case for investing in the research, development and demonstration (RD&D) of technology to convert the kinetic energy of ocean waves into electricity. The tidal current studies began in early 2005 and are currently at the site identification and device assessment stage (steps a and b below). Techno-economic results for tidal plant designs at various sites are expected in late 2005.