Marine Renewable Energy &

Environmental ImpactsCalifornia State Lands Commission

September 20, 2013Agenda Item #118

Photo Credits: Ocean Energy Limited and Aldaron

Renewable Energy Development

• Emerging technologies present challenges to developers and agency staff.o Numerous unsuccessful attempts at project development.o Commission staff has analyzed the reasons for unsuccessful projects

and how to move forward.

Photo Credits: Pelamis Wave Power

Information Needs• Existing information is

not available in a readily useable format.

• Commission staff’s report compiles existing information into a useable framework.

Cover Design: Madalaine Jong. Photo Credit: James Fortman

The Report• Contents include

o Offshore energy potentialo Types of marine renewable

energy deviceso Common or likely

environmental issueso Applicability and limitations

of existing informationo Future research needso Next steps for California

Data Sources: US Department of Energy (Wave Energy Data), California State Lands Commission (County and State Waters Data), and Bing (Satellite Imagery)

Wave Energy Potential

The Report• Contents include

o Offshore energy potentialo Types of marine renewable

energy deviceso Common or likely

environmental issueso Applicability and limitations

of existing informationo Future research needso Next steps for California

Graphic Credit: US Department of Energy

The Report• Contents include

o Offshore energy potentialo Types of marine renewable

energy deviceso Common or likely

environmental issueso Applicability and limitations

of existing informationo Future research needso Next steps for California

Photo Credits: Rafael Robayna, Barry Peters

Current ActivitiesArtist’s conception of proposed offshore energy test site plan at Platform Irene.

Humboldt is also proposed as a potential site.Graphic Credit: Pacific Marine Renewables