Hydrokinetic

What is a hydrokinetic project?

A hydrokinetic project is a project that generates electricity from waves or directly from the flow of water in ocean currents, tides, or inland waterways without the use of a dam or reservoir. Many hydrokinetic technologies are currently in the experimental or developmental stage. Wind turbines are not hydrokinetic; the Commission does not have jurisdiction over wind projects.

How does hydrokinetic energy generation work?

Devices intended to capture energy from tides, ocean currents, and river flow can be similar in concept to traditional turbines, but are placed underwater and directly within the flow. Strategies for capturing energy from waves can vary greatly in design and often use floating buoys.

Are hydrokinetic projects treated differently from conventional projects?

Yes. Because hydrokinetic technologies are new, rapidly changing, and different from conventional projects in that they are not directly dependent on dams, the Commission has made some adaptations to address hydrokinetic projects. For example, to support research and development of hydrokinetic technologies, theCommission will consider expedited licensing for small hydrokinetic projects. The resulting licenses will have shorter license terms and will besubject to special environmental protections. In addition, the Commission has implemented strict requirements for hydrokinetic preliminary permits; developers must show progress in developing an application or the permit will be cancelledso that the site is available to others.