A discussion of hydrokinetic energy, associated environmental impacts, and mitigation measures to avoid or reduce hydrokinetic energy development impacts.
Hydrokinetic energy resources include ocean wave energy, tidal energy, river in-stream energy, and ocean current energy. Follow the links below to learn about hydrokinetic energy development, and environmental impacts of hydrokinetic energy development, including impacts from the construction, operation, and decommissioning of hydrokinetic energy facilities. You'll also find information about mitigation measures than can be used to reduce environmental impacts. Because most sites with ocean current potential are located farther off-shore, the potential for tribal development of these resources is minimal and it is not discussed further.
Resources and Technology
Hydrokinetic energy resources, geographic distribution, development scales, and hydrokinetic energy facilities
Hydrokinetic energy projects that generate electricity require electric transmission systems to transport the electricity they generate to consumers. Environmental impacts of construction and operation of underwater transmission lines are discussed in the Potential Impacts section. Environmental impacts from construction and operation of land-based electric transmission systems are discussed separately in the Energy Transmission section of this site, and must be considered in addition to the impacts presented here.