Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Maine Tidal Power Initiative: Environmental Impact Protocols For Tidal Power, Michael Peterson, Gayle Zydlewski, Huijie Xue, Teresa R. Johnson

University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports

As a result of ongoing climate change, the pressure for the development of new sources of renewable energy has increased. It is extremely likely that climate change is caused by anthropogenic activities. Thus even if dramatic gains are made in energy efficiency; the addition of novel renewable energy sources is critical to reducing fossil fuel emissions. Even current goals for a reduction in the growth of greenhouse gas emissions mean that all possible low-carbon or non-carbon emitting energy sources be considered. In the marine environment, energy in tidal currents, waves, and thermal structure may be extracted to produce electricity. These …