Hydrokinetic Energy Development 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
• Development Activities and Resource Requirements
  Components of hydrokinetic energy developments that could result in environmental impacts
• Potential Impacts
  Issues of environmental concern for hydrokinetic energy developments, including direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts
• Laws and Regulations
  Federal legal requirements applicable to hydrokinetic energy development activities
• Mitigation Measures
  Mitigation measures to minimize or avoid environmental impacts
• Government Programs and Tribal Incentives
  Links to government programs and tribal incentives for hydrokinetic energy development
• Environmental Reports and Case Studies
  Access to environmental reports and case studies related to hydrokinetic energy development
• General Information
  Links to hydrokinetic energy development Web sites

Hydrokinetic Energy Development and Transmission

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.