Hydropower and Ocean Energy Resources and Technologies

This page provides a brief overview of hydropower and ocean energy resources and technologies supplemented by specific information to apply these technologies within the Federal sector.

• Overview
• Federal Application
• Resources

Overview

Hydropower has been used for centuries to power machinery, but the application most commonly associated with hydropower is electricity production through dams.

Ocean energy refers to various forms of renewable energy harnessed from the ocean. There are two primary types of ocean energy: mechanical and thermal.

• Mechanical energy is derived from the earth's rotation. The rotation creates wind on the ocean surface that forms waves, while the gravitational pull of the moon creates coastal tides and currents. This motion allows energy to be captured and converted to electric power.

• Thermal energy is derived from the sun, which heats the surface of the ocean while the depths remain colder. This temperature difference allows energy to be captured and converted to electric power.

Visit the Department of Energy's (DOE) Wind Program to learn more on hydropower and ocean energy basics and technologies.

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Federal Application

Specific factors must be in place for hydropower and ocean energy technologies to be viable for Federal application. Before conducting an assessment or deploying technologies, Federal agencies must evaluate a series of questions and considerations.

What resources are available in my area?

Location and existing resources are critical for hydropower and ocean energy technology deployments.

• Hydropower technologies are deployed across the U.S. by the Federal Government. Applying hydropower is typically not cost-effective unless the site has ready access to an existing hydroelectric dam. However, it is important for Federal energy managers to be knowledgeable about hydropower as it is a common form of renewable energy credits.

• Ocean energy technologies depend on close proximity to ocean tides, currents, or deep waters with large temperature differences between depths. Large river currents can also be leveraged. This narrows the applicability of ocean energy technologies, but still leaves room for cost-effective deployments for coastal sites.

Before initiating a project, resources in your area must be measured and verified. It is important to consult an expert for a professional evaluation before implementing energy projects.

What are my energy goals?

Energy goals range from meeting regulatory requirements to powering remote applications to increasing energy security.

• Regulatory Requirements: All ocean and hydrokinetic energy falls under the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005 definition of renewable energy and can be used to meet EPAct 2005 renewable energy requirements. The EPAct 2005 definition also includes new hydroelectric generation capacity achieved from increased efficiency or additions of new capacity at an existing hydroelectric project. Mechanical or thermal energy produced by these resources can be used to meet other Federal regulatory requirements. For example, if the system was put into service after January 1, 1999, it can be used to meet Executive Order 13423 requirements for new renewable energy.

• Remote Power: Large-scale hydropower is not cost-effective or applicable for remote applications. Ocean energy technologies can be cost-effective for powering large facilities or campuses on remote islands and applications, but multiple factors must be in place.

• Energy Security: Water is a natural energy resource that can provide consistent, around-the-clock energy production. Because of this, ocean energy and hydropower increases energy availability and security.

What kind of energy do I use?

Federal agencies must understand what type of energy is used before determining if hydropower or ocean energy is applicable. Ocean energy, for example, can be used for electricity, mechanical, and thermal power. The appropriate type of energy needed must be considered before undergoing any energy assessments or technology projects.

When do I need the energy?

Tidal and marine currents are quite predictable and can be used to generate power where and when it is demanded with increasing accuracy.

Is ocean energy cost-effective for my facility?

Ocean energy and hydropower technologies produce electricity ranging from the kilowatt-hour (kWh) range to multiple megawatt-hours (MWh). If resources are available and all other factors match up, Federal agencies should consider these technologies for applications between these size ranges. Technology deployments for energy production at smaller amounts typically are not cost-effective.

What is my budget?

Ocean energy systems vary in price, as does the cost of installation, operation, and maintenance. The following factors play a role in the cost of ocean energy technologies:

• Cost of the technology system itself
• Permitting time and related costs
• Construction costs
• Metering equipment
• Maintenance and repair

It is important to consult an expert for a professional evaluation to see if ocean energy fits into your current budget.

Next steps

Visit the project planning section for detailed information on planning and deploying renewable energy projects. Federal case studies are available to provide specific examples of viable energy projects.

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Resources

Detailed information on hydropower and ocean energy resources and technologies is available through:

• DOE Water Power Program: Program providing information and resources on hydropower and ocean energy basics and technologies.

• Ocean Energy Technology Overview: Introduction and overview of ocean renewable energy resources and technologies prepared for FEMP by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (PDF 2 MB). Download Adobe Reader.

• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Hydrokinetic Projects: Outlines projects that generate electricity from waves or directly from the flow of water in ocean currents, tides, or inland waterways.

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Provides ocean energy information to further the development and deployment of ocean-based renewable energy technologies.

• U.S. Department of the Interior's Minerals Management Service (MMS) Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Outer Continental Shelf Alternative Energy: Features public information and involvement in the Outer Continental Shelf Alternative Energy and Alternate Use Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement.

• Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) Ocean Energy: EPRI program Web site offering the latest research and information resources covering ocean energy technologies and applications.

• Low Impact Hydropower Institute: Dedicated to reducing the impacts of hydropower generation through the certification of hydropower projects that avoid or reduce environmental impacts pursuant to the organization's criteria.

• National Hydropower Association: Dedicated exclusively to advancing the interests of the hydropower industry and to secure hydropower's place as a climate-friendly, renewable, and reliable energy source that serves national environmental and energy policy objectives.

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