News 
2007
| Statement: December 20, 2007 | 
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| Docket No: P-12751-000 | |
Commissioner Kelly's statement on AquaEnergy Group Ltd.
"In the 4 years I have been at the Commission, I have had the good fortune to be involved
in a number of exciting advances in the energy sector. It is hard to imagine a more dynamic
time to be here. In my view, the advent of hydrokinetics ranks right up there as one of the
most exciting developments.
Think about it: prior to 2004, the Commission had not one application for a preliminary
permit or license application for the development of a hydrokinetic project. Today, there are
some 88 pending and issued permits, and an equal number of pending permits for in-river
projects.
This is, of course, an emerging technology, and there are still many questions to be
answered. Today's order helps meet the twin goals of moving forward the development of
these new technologies, yet doing so in a manner that ensures that we are collecting
valuable information that can be incorporated into future projects. Importantly, we will also
ensure that the development of the Makah Bay project will be monitored for any
unacceptable impacts that would require the cessation of the project.
The benefits of hydrokinetics are enormous. According to the Electric Power Research
Institute, the potential for energy in our nation's oceans is over 350 billion kilowatt hours
per year, which is double the hydropower production of the current national total. I think we
can all agree that they are potentially an important component of this country's energy
portfolio.
I agree with my colleagues comments today, and would like to specifically echo their
comments on the conditional aspect of today's license order: the resource agencies will
have none of their authorities limited in any way, nor can the licensee undertake any
construction activities until the resource agencies act accordingly. Of course, we do hope
and expect that all stakeholders-and that includes the Commission-will work together in a
cooperative manner to facilitate the development of hydrokinetic projects.
I have always thought that a hallmark of this Commission is its commitment to meeting the
ever-evolving challenges and opportunities facing the hydroelectric licensing process.
Today's order takes a significant step to that end, and I am pleased to vote this order out."
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