KEYNOTE SPEAKERS    

Mr. Randall B. Luthi, Director of the Minerals Management Service (MMS),
U.S. Department of the Interior

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Randall B. Luthi was appointed Director of the Minerals Management Service on July 23, 2007.

Luthi, a former speaker of the Wyoming State House of Representatives, is a rancher and attorney in private practice from Freedom, Wyo. He previously served in the Department of the Interior and at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Luthi is a partner in the Luthi and Voyles law firm in Thayne, Wyoming, and manages a cattle ranch in western Wyoming. He was first elected to the Wyoming House of Representatives in 1995, and served as speaker in 2005 and 2006.

He served in Washington in career positions as Senior Counselor for Environmental Regulations in NOAA's Office of General Counsel from 1990 to 1993, and as an attorney in the Department of the Interior Office of the Solicitor from 1986 to 1990.

Based on his work in the Wyoming legislature, Mr. Luthi developed an understanding of the importance of royalties paid to the federal government by companies producing energy on our public lands and waters. As Majority Leader and Speaker of the Wyoming House, Mr. Luthi was instrumental in formulation of state budgets which relied heavily upon royalties and severance taxes paid by energy companies developing federal leases. In addition, he was a legislative member of the Energy Council, which is an organization comprised of legislative representatives from energy producing states and provinces and private energy-related industries that meets quarterly to learn the latest in developments in energy related technology and to discuss energy policy.

In addition, Luthi worked as a legislative assistant in the office of U.S. Senator Alan K. Simpson of Wyoming. In this capacity, Luthi provided counsel on legal and legislative issues including oil and gas taxation.

Luthi graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in administration of justice, and earned a law degree from the University of Wyoming in 1982.

Mr.  Jerry Patterson, Commissioner,
Texas General  Land Office

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Born in Houston, Texas on November 15, 1946 Jerry Patterson has dedicated his life to public service. Graduating from Texas A&M, Class of 1969 and receiving his commission in the United States Marine Corps, Patterson volunteered for duty in Vietnam in 1972 and was later designated as a Naval Flight Officer and served in Marine fighter squadrons until his retirement from the Marine Corps Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1993.

Five consecutive generations of Patterson’s family have served our nation in time of war. Patterson is a life member of VFW, American Legion and Vietnam Veterans of America.

As state senator for District 11 (Harris, Galveston, Brazoria), Patterson’s major legislative successes include passage of the historic concealed handgun law, a constitutional amendment allowing home equity lending, the state coastal management plan and the creation of the Texas State Veterans Home Program. A tireless advocate for his fellow veterans, he chaired the first Veterans Affairs committee in the Texas Senate and hosted the first POW/MIA day at the Texas Capitol.

Jerry and his wife Jennifer reside in Austin. Commissioner Patterson has four children, twins Samantha and Cole, born in 2004, Emily and Travis. His daughter Emily is an attorney working in Kosovo for an agency funded by the U.S. State Department. His son Travis is a graduate of Texas A&M, where he was commissioned as a Marine Lieutenant. He recently returned from serving his 2nd tour of duty in Iraq as a U.S. Marine attack helicopter pilot.

US FOCUS SESSION

Speaker: Stephen Bowler
Company: FERC
Abstract Title: FERC 2008 Hydrokinetic Energy Update

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Staff of the Division of Hydropower Licensing at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will provide an update on activities in the area of wave and hydrokinetic energy development.  Topics will include 1) a brief summary of previous steps taken by the Commission to respond to these new technologies; 2) a review of feedback we have received on industry needs, other stakeholder concerns, and our program in general; 3) recent steps taken by the Commission to adapt to the rapidly evolving field; and 4) a status report on industry activity seen by the Commission to date.   The discussion will include an update on the Commission’s procedures for licensing hydrokinetic pilot projects.  Staff will answer audience questions about the Commission’s program and procedures.

Speaker: Alejandro Moreno
Company: DOE
Abstract Title: DOE Waterpower Program

Speaker: Robert P. LaBelle 
Company: MMS Offshore Energy and Minerals Management
Abstract Title: MMS Update

Speaker: Carla Sullivan
Company: NOAA
Abstract Title: NOAA & Ocean Energy Projects

Speaker: Tammy Brooks & Ben Rhame
Company: Texas General Land Office
Abstract Title: Coastal States Organization – Alternative Energy Work Group

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With soaring energy costs, ever-increasing demand, and the escalating instability in foreign nations that supply oil and gas to the U.S., the need to examine the feasibility and practicality of alternative energy sources has come to the forefront. Alternative energy sources that were once considered to costly are now becoming economically competitive and are being developed across the nation. Projects such as offshore wind farms, geothermal energy, and wave energy are actively being pursued as options for supplying energy to households across the U.S. and the world. However, numerous questions remain regarding real and potential impacts to the environment.

This Work Group, comprised of representatives from the state’s coastal management programs, will assist in the development of strategies and policies to address environmental concerns by identifying current projects, research, policy initiatives, and shared needs for federal agencies and coastal states to consider.

Speaker: Jefferey Leahey
Company: National Hydropower Assn. 
Abstract Title: Washington DC Policy Update

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As a national trade association that represents developers and others with an interest in ocean energy technologies, the National Hydropower Association (NHA) closely follows the development of legislative and regulatory policy affecting this industry. We would propose an NHA representative to speak at the conference to provide an update on the status of economic incentives for ocean energy development currently in the congress (PTC / RPS inclusion, DOE waterpower R&D program appropriations) as well as various permitting and licensing proposals being crafted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) (preliminary permit / pilot project licensing / conditioned licenses) and the Minerals Management Service (MMS) (Outer Continental Shelf program).

Speaker: Andrea T. Gill
Company: State of Hawaii-Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism
Abstract Title: Wave Energy Activities in Hawaii

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The State of Hawaii enjoys a superior wave energy resource, estimated at 10-15 kW/m at the 80 m depth contour on coasts exposed to the dominant northeast trade winds.  Hawaii’s high electricity rates—on some islands exceeding $0.30/kWh—make many renewable energy technologies competitive.  State policies, such as a legislated renewable portfolio standard as well as initiatives directing State agencies to utilize renewable energy resources, contribute to a favorable political climate for ocean energy.  Interest in wave energy development has accelerated recently.  In late 2007, Oceanlinx signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a 2.7 MW OWC plant off the northern coast of Maui.  Ocean Power Technologies continues its research and demonstration project in Kaneohe Bay, Oahu.  Other wave power companies are also pursuing potential projects in Hawaii.  Highly experienced naval design, engineering and shipyard companies supporting ocean energy development are well established in the state.

Speaker: George Hagerman
Company: Virginia Tech
Abstract Title: Renewable Ocean Energy - Lessons Learned

Speaker: Bob Blackmore
Company: Cianbro Corporation
Abstract Title: Tidal Energy Device Evaluation Center (TEDEC), Maine Maritime Academy

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A consortium, hosted by Maine Maritime Academy (MMA), in partnership with Cianbro Corporation, Marinus Power, LLC, and OceanWorks International Inc., is developing a Tidal Energy Device Evaluation Center (TEDEC) on the Bagaduce River in Castine, Maine. The purpose of TEDEC will be to provide a world-class testing and evaluation center for tidal energy devices and associated educational and research opportunities for students and faculty of the college. TEDEC will be a leader in environmental studies and assessing the potential for, and impact of, this technology.

Tidal power presents a unique opportunity for producing clean power from a renewable resource that is predictable, and therefore, more reliable. Maine’s coastal geography presents multiple potential locations for the application of this technology. However, there is currently only limited understanding and experience in commercial applications of this technology. While there are dozens of tidal energy devices under development, there is presently only one facility, world-wide, that allows a true demonstration and test of these pre-commercial devices in situ. Additionally many of the tidal device developers do not have the capability or expertise to quantify the performance of these devices or to demonstrate their commercial viability. TEDEC is envisioned as “technology accelerator” where developers can obtain required evaluations to determine the impact and performance of their tidal energy devices in a user friendly and formalized process.

FOCUS ON IRELAND—Panel
Panelist: Eoin Sweeney, Director of the Ocean Energy Development Unit

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The Government of Ireland has announced a new invigorated approach to Ocean Energy. One of the measures announced is the creation of a new Ocean Energy Development Unit which will co-ordinate and drive the implementation of the Strategy. This will be based in Sustainable Energy Ireland. Eoin Sweeney has been selected to head up this new group.

Panelists: John McCarthy, Managing Director and John Keating, Commercial Director, OceanEnergy Limited

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OceanEnergy Limited will present a macro-economic view of the Irish wave sector and the company's position within that sector, challenges and opportunities that they are facing.

COMMERCIALIZATION & ECONOMICS

Speaker: Alla Weinstein
Company: Principle Power
Abstract Title: Deep Ocean Offshore Wind Development in the U.S. - Challenges and Opportunities

Speaker: Ed Feo
Company: Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy 
Abstract Title: Financing of Renewable Energy—Lessons Learned and Relevant to Ocean Energy

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Renewable energy financing has been booming in the US for the past five years, with wind energy projects leading the way.  Other technologies are also advancing, especially solar energy, which in 2008 will see several major transactions.  Geothermal and biomass projects are also coming to the financing market.  A variety of debt and equity products (especially for the monetization of tax benefits) have been developed and are continuing to evolve.  For ocean energy projects using newer technologies, there are lessons to be learned from this wave of financing.  This talk will discuss the trends and likely requirements for ocean energy projects for 1) technology warranties, 2) sponsor support, 3) equity investment, 4) security, 5) off take terms, 5) coverage ratios, 6) debt and equity returns and terms, and 70 other issues relevant to determining the availability and cost of capital for these projects.

Speaker: Keith Martin
Company: Chadbourne & Parke
Abstract Title: Deal Structures and Tax Issues for Ocean Energy

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Tax subsidies can pay as much as 30% to 60% of the capital cost of an ocean energy project. My talk will explain what tax subsidies companies should try to build into the financing structures for their projects and how to do it. Since most developers are too small to use the subsidies, it will also explain how a developer can get value for subsidies he or she cannot use directly. The talk will conclude by covering a number of tax planning issues that are coming up in projects.

Speaker: Peter D. Mostow
Company: Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Abstract Title: Commercialization of New Ocean Energy Technologies

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Peter Mostow, a partner at Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati’s (WSGR), and a member of the Clean Technology and Renewable Energy Group, will discuss “Commercialization of New Ocean Energy Technologies.” Mr. Mostow’s presentation will review current and expected, more mature project development in the ocean energy industry, and will compare it to the early development cycle in other renewable energy sectors, such as wind and solar energy. He will focus on two areas that are critically different for ocean energy when compared to wind and solar: (i) early stage, risk capital financing, and (ii) the permitting/regulatory process. Mr. Mostow’s remarks will cover the challenges of raising early stage financing on acceptable terms and will discuss what early investors look at when assessing technology development and permitting risks.

Speaker: Markian M.W. Melnyk
Company: Dewey & LeBoeuf
Abstract Title: Legal and Other Issues in Siting U.S. Offshore Renewable Energy Projects

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The presentation and paper would:

• Review the legal and economic considerations in developing U.S. offshore renewables.
• Explain the federal and state regulatory process, including the new MMS regulations.  MMS is the lead federal agency coordinating offshore renewables siting.
• Explore the role of renewable energy credits, the production tax credit, congestion pricing and transmission access in siting and financing offshore projects.

Many coastal states are considering offshore renewables development.  At the same time the Minerals Management Service is developing its regulatory approach.  But projects can experience many pitfalls, even when technical aspects such as geology, wind and wave resources, and conflicts with other uses of the marine environment seem manageable.  Cape Wind has been mired in controversy since 2001, resulting in years of litigation and regulatory delay.

The presentation and paper would provide perspectives on how the regulatory environment, project economic drivers, the cultural environment and physical and environmental factors can come together to make a successful offshore renewable energy project.

The presenter, an attorney at Dewey & LeBoeuf, a leading international energy firm, is currently writing a book on developing U.S. offshore renewables.

Speaker: Michael D. Ernst, Esq.
Company: Tetra Tech EC, Inc.
Abstract Title: Critical Issues Analysis for Siting & Interconnecting Offshore Wind Parks

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The author will present a power point presentation on how to conduct a thorough critical issues analysis for siting an offshore wind park, including the submarine cables to  interconnect with the optimal onshore transmission system interconnection point.

An Offshore Critical Issues Analysis (OCIA) is an early stage evaluation of the major factors that govern site suitability for wind energy development in a particular area, including identification and avoidance of any fatal flaws in that region by:

1. Discussing each of the major factors, including dozens of potential offshore and onshore constraints that would affect siting and permitting the wind park, submarine cables and onshore transmission interconnection;
2. Explain how to document all essential current site conditions and identify the studies and process necessary to complete project development;
3. Explain how to develop a schedule and a budget for further environmental and electrical interconnection studies;
4. Identify all required federal, state and local approvals and provide the materials necessary for the developer to approach local officials and governmental agencies to confirm and learn all major issues of concern for the identification of preferred sites and routes that can be permitted.

The author will draw on his 25 years’ experience as a state regulator, private permitting counsel, developer of submarine transmission cables, consultant for development of a 50 mile submarine cable for a proposed Hawaiian wind park and consultant to Bluewater Wind for the siting of offshore wind parks off Delaware and 4 other East Coast states.

Speaker: Richard Argall
Company: Makai Ocean Engineering
Abstract Title: The Future Role of OTEC

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This paper presents the findings of a US Navy SBIR Phase II study evaluating the technical and economic potential of an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) hydrogen industry for the US mid-century and the near-term path to get there. As society is forced to wean itself off hydrocarbons, the search for a replacement becomes imperative. Just in the duration of this study, the price of oil has tripled. By 2050 it is supposed that petroleum will be rare and expensive, and hydrogen will be used to power fuel cell vehicles. Hydrogen is both attractive and challenging. The hydrogen must be synthesized from other energy sources; this paper considers if there is a place for OTEC in this hydrogen economy. OTEC is certainly an attractive source: the resource is huge, sustainable, and continuously available; the industry is offshore with little land involved; there is no new high-risk technology required and it is not competitive with other vital resources such as food and water. This paper describes what an OTEC hydrogen industry would look like and the most likely path to get there. Work was performed by Makai Ocean Engineering with Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Speaker: David Elwood
Company: Oregon State University
Abstract Title: Assessment of the US Wave Energy Resource Using In Situ Data

Speaker: Tony R. Martin
Company: CSA International
Abstract Title: Environmental Impact Assessment, NEPA Coordination, and Regulatory Permitting Requirements for Alternative Energy Projects

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Speaker: Graeme Mackie
Company: Overberg Limited
Abstract Title: Development of a Floating Tethered Tidal Energy Device -Evopod ™

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Evopod™ is a novel semi-submerged, tethered device for generating power from tidal streams and ocean currents (www.oceanflowenergy.com). The device developers, Overberg, have specifically targeted deployment in deep water harsh environment areas where strong tidal streams and ocean currents coexist with ocean waves. A programme of tests was carried out to assess the influence of waves on platform motions, mooring loads and turbine performance. This paper describes the Evopod™ device, the testing of the 40th scale model in the University of Newcastle’s combined wave and current flume tank and the construction and testing of a 1/10th scale device in UK coastal waters under real bi-directional tidal flow conditions.

Evopod is a departure from most tidal stream devices in that it is not pile mounted but is a floating, semi-submerged, tethered device that can orientate itself into the predominant current direction for best efficiency. Evopod is the result of 4 years of research to develop a device that offers significantly better economics of power generation than existing technologies. Graeme Mackie will describe the rationale behind the development of Evopod and the results from recent trials carried out on a 1/10th scale device.

Speaker: David Schowalter
Company: Alden Research Laboratory
Abstract Title: Laboratory Evaluation of a Prototype Free flow Hydrokinetic Turbine

Speaker: Liz Hicks
Company: KEMA
Abstract Title: Large-scale Offshore Energy Storage System – The Energy Island

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KEMA, in partnership with civil engineering firm Bureau Lievense and technology illustrators Rudolph and Robert Das, has developed an “Energy Island” concept to store power generated from an offshore wind farm. The innovative concept design is the initial result of an on-going feasibility study being conducted for Dutch energy companies.

This paper will present the Energy Island designed by KEMA, Lievense and the Das brothers that incorporates a new concept in pumped hydro storage – an inverse offshore pump accumulation station (IOPAC). On the Energy Island when there is a surplus of wind energy, the excess energy is used to pump sea water out of the interior ‘subsurface-lake’ into the surrounding sea. When there is a shortage of wind power, sea water is allowed to flow back into the interior ‘lake’ through commercially available generators to produce energy. The IOPAC is unique from conventional pumped hydro storage systems in that it would be stationed on an artificial island off the Dutch coast in the North Sea and comprised of a ring of dikes surrounding a 50 meter deep reservoir. The island itself would be built from materials dredged to deepen the interior reservoir.  

KEMA’s initial analysis estimates that the proposed Energy Island storage system would have a maximum generation capacity of 1,500 MW, depending on the water level. It also would have an annual storage capacity of more than 20 GWh – enough energy to offset 500 to 840 kilotons of CO2 emissions. In the next phase of the feasibility study, which is underway, KEMA is further analyzing the costs and benefits of additional regulating reserve, download wind power, CO2 reduction, and environmental impact.  These estimates will be presented in this paper.

Utilizing stored energy can help reduce the overall amount of CO2 emissions associated with electricity production, especially when combined with wind or other renewable energy resources. Investment in large scale energy storage can increase the efficiency of conventional power plants as well as offset investments in replacing or developing new conventional peak production capacity. In addition to providing an alternative for large scale electricity storage, the energy island concept has the potential to provide coastal protection, harbor and/or LNG terminal facilities, aquatic biomass, and eco-tourism opportunities. Construction of the energy island is dependent on seabed composition. The North Sea site studied includes a seabed with a thick layer of clay.  

Speaker: Gunther J. Weisbrich
Company: ENECO Texas, LLC
Abstract Title: e-SeaWARP™—A Breakthrough for Combined Wind, Ocean and Tidal Current Technology

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The WARP™ (Wind Amplified Rotor Platform) is a breakthrough technology (originally developed for wind energy) that can be designed to harness the energy from any fluid flow such as wind, ocean currents, tidal currents or river currents. One of the breakthrough capabilities of the WARP design is the ability to amplify the ambient fluid flow by a factor of up to 1.8. This ability to amplify the ambient fluid flow becomes a major enhancement to the viability of making low ocean currents economically viable for energy production.

Utility scale WARP designs may utilize a multiplicity of relatively small (e.g., 3 to 6 meter) diameter rotors on vertically integrated fluid amplifier modules that are stacked about a core support structure , allowing a WARP system design to be built that can capture both underwater ocean current energy as well as the above waterline wind current energy. This “hybrid” design can mitigate the issue of intermittent power (associated primarily with wind energy) due to the  ‘24/7’ nature of ocean current availability. Twin turbines at every module level may passively orient themselves perpendicular to the fluid flow. This modular design also lends itself to relatively low cost volume production.

Unlike conventional large bladed turbines, which require the expense of redesign and retooling with each larger capacity/turbine-bladed system, WARP systems require only a onetime module and turbine design - dependent on the rotor size employed.  WARP systems to over 10MW unit size can then be realized simply by specifying the number of stacked modules.

Speaker: Shaun McArthur
Company: Oregon State University
Abstract Title: An Innovative Tool for Hydrodynamics Modeling and Control Development for Wave Energy Converters

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For an ocean wave energy converter (WEC) to capture wave energy efficiently, generator controls need to be optimized for a wide Range of sea-state operating conditions. Wave energy researchers need a reliable method of simulating variable sea-state loading on a device in order to measure the overall performance of a given control algorithm. Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a rotary testbed that simulates forces generated by stochastic sea- states on a WEC. The testbed has two coupled motors, one of which performs the hydrodynamic force modeling, and the other is used to develop and test generator control algorithms. The tool is compact, inexpensive, and easily programmed. Theory and hardware results are presented.

Speaker: Mark Thomas
Company: ENRI
Abstract Title: What Oil Was to the Previous Curntury,Water Will Be to this One—SeaDog® Pump a True Alternative

SITING & INSTALLATION

Speaker: Hope Herron
Company: Tetra Tech EC, Inc.
Abstract Title: Environmental, Engineering, and Pre-Construction Cost Considerations for Offshore Energy Development

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The objective of this presentation is to provide developers and investors with an overview of costs associated with engineering, environmental, regulatory and construction considerations necessary to the final horizontal layout and plan for construction of an offshore energy project. The management of these various inputs, including dealing with multiple changes and creating efficient data management among consulting teams, can be optimized by understanding how each type of input affects the others. This presentation will illustrate the necessary steps and logical sequence of development and construction costs, including data collection and interpretation, transmission, lease, public and governmental relations, engineering design, construction, and operations.

Speaker: Neil E. Rondorf
Company: SAIC Maritime
Abstract Title: IEC Standards for Wave & Tidal Energy Conversion Devices

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The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has established a Technical Committee, TC-114, which focuses on the standardization of wave and tidal energy conversion devices. The IEC is the world’s leading organization that prepares and publishes international standards for electrical, electronics and related technologies, collectively known as “electrotechnology”. This presentation will describe the organization and the processes used by the IEC for development of standards, to make industry members aware of the TC -114 Marine Energy- Wave and Tidal Energy Converters activities.

In addition, an overview of the standards process to date, current activity worldwide, international committee membership and industry participation will be provided. The goal of the presentation is to educate and inform industry regarding effective representation of concerns on technical issues, which is a vital step in the international design and manufacturing process and the maturation of the overall marine renewable energy industry.

 

Speaker: Donald M. Hussong
Company: Fugro Seafloor Surveys, Inc.
Abstract Title: Effective Seafloor Surveys for Submerged Turbine Installations

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Ocean energy generation devices, particularly submerged turbines, have uniquely complex installation considerations. These devises will be placed in high energy environments – areas that are generally avoided for other types of seafloor installations. They need to be safe and stable, and to have minimal impact on the surrounding environment. They will also be attached to anchoring systems and require submarine cables to monitor the turbines and to carry the power to shore. Many areas of interest are in relatively deep water, where the most detailed engineering maps are acquired with Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). AUVs have the advantage of being able to survey close to the seabed, run complex patterns in areas that may have complex seafloor morphology, and provide a quiet and stable platform for acquisition of high-resolution sonar data. Optimal seabed surveys are critical to successful seafloor installations, and need to be carefully designed during initial planning for installation of submerged turbines.

Speaker: Tim Axwlsson
Company: 3U Technologies
Abstract Title: Submarine Cable Laying and Installation Services For the Offshore & Underwater Alternative Energy Market

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In the submarine cable laying industry there are currently two primary users of installation services, the Telecoms industry and the Power industry. There is a growing third market in the submarine cable and installation services industry, and it is the Alternative Energy industry. The additional challenges in the alternative energy market deal with the number of offshore/underwater generating stations that must be interconnected and the fact that the in some situations, where the generating plant is underwater, the plant must periodically be surfaced for maintenance and/or repair. This paper will identify the commonly utilized submarine cable laying methodologies and marine assets employed to install submarine fiber optic cable (SFOC) and power cables. It will further elaborate the utilization of currently available installation services and the application of these existing services to the unique world of alternative energy.

Marine asset utilization is a key criterion in the installation process. This paper will identify and specify the types of vessels, cable machinery, burial machinery and lifting equipment, which can provide a multi-tasking environment for the installation requirements of different types of offshore alternative energy generators such as wind, tidal and wave power generating fields.

Finally this paper will demonstrate that the key to a successful and economical installation begins at the front end planning with concepts, choices and trade-offs, to ensure efficiency and practicality throughout the installation process.

Speaker: Douglas Hines
Company: Offshore Source LLC
Abstract Title: Titan 200 Offshore Wind Platform

DEVELOPERS & CONSTRUCTION

Speaker: Bill New
Company: New Industries
Abstract Title: The Application of Offshore Oil & Gas Construction Techniques to Renewable Energy in the Ocean

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Abstract: This paper will discuss fabrication and installation methods, technologies, and equipment that can be utilized in the construction of ocean renewable energy projects. The purpose to demonstrate that the renewable energy industry can take advantage of many years of hard won and costly experience by the offshore oil and gas industry without “re-inventing the wheel” to deliver cost effective installed solutions.

The paper will present an overview of the existing fabrication and installation infrastructure along the Gulf coast of the United States. This survey will include capabilities for onshore manufacturing (fabrication, machining, and assembly), load out and transportation to location and offshore installation (derrick barges, jackup boats, cable lay vessels.) The paper will also discuss various technologies in current use in the industry including satellite positioning, pile driving, suction piles, geotechnical investigation, cable lay techniques, and manned and unmanned underwater intervention.

Speaker: Dr. George Taylor
Company: Ocean Power Technologies
Abstract Title: PowerBuoy Projects Update

Speaker: John Keating
Company: OceanEnergy Ltd.
Abstract Title: The OE Buoy

Speaker: Tom Denniss
Company: Oceanlinx
Abstract Title: Oceanlinx Wave Energy Project

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Oceanlinx, in collaboration with Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), is in the preliminary stages of developing a wave energy project on the island of Maui. The project, utilizing the Oceanlinx oscillating water column (OWC) technology, will be sited on the north side of the island, off Pauwela Point, in approximately 100 feet of water depth. It is expected to have a peak generating capacity of up to 2.7 MW. This presentation will elaborate on the technology and some of the project related issues pertaining to deploying wave power generating facilities in Hawaii specifically, and in the US in general.

Speaker: Thomas Hudon
Company: PCCI
Abstract Title: Mooring Considerations for Alternative Energy Projects

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This presentation will summarize industry guidlines and international best practices for the design and installation of moorings to keep floating ocean energy platforms, ranging from monobuoys up to large OTEC platforms, on station. Mooring design procedures and tools to guide the developer will be addressed, as will guidelines for mooring inspection, maintenance and operation. Recommendations for planning mooring installations will also be provided. Finally, enviromental concerns, and potential mitigation measures, will be addressed.