Offshore Renewable Energy Installations: Impact on Navigation and Marine Safety

摘要

To reduce our dependence on foreign energy supplies, alternative or renewable energy sources are being pursued. These sources exploit a wide range of technologies: solar photovoltaics or power plants; hydroelectricity (dams); ocean thermal energy conversion facilities; and offshore renewable energy installations, which may include wind farms, marine current turbines, and wave generators (hydrokinetics). All these technologies have the potential to affect marine navigation and safety, and although no offshore renewable energy installations presently exist in U.S. waters, several are contemplated following successful trials in other countries. Of the technologies being considered, wind farms and hydrokinetics pique the Coast Guard's interest because their developers propose to locate them in U.S. navigable waters. All offshore installations, regardless of type, will have an impact on vessel navigation and safety in their vicinity. This article discusses the potential effects of offshore installations on marine transportation, navigation, and safety in terms of their position, spacing, visibility, and electronic impact. It also discusses the effects of tides and currents in the vicinity of installations on maritime traffic flow and operations, and how the Coast Guard can help installation developers and lead permitting agencies mitigate the risks. Risk mitigation can involve marking and charting installations, creating limited access areas around installations, and developing technologies to reduce installations' impact on shipboard electronics.