Resource Characterization Projects
The objective of NREL's resource characterization work is to characterize U.S. marine and hydrokinetic energy resources and quantify the amounts of energy that could feasibly be extracted. This information will allow both DOE and various stakeholders to prioritize the level of investment and research by resource type and assess the potential contribution to the U.S. renewable energy portfolio.
Examples of NREL's resource characterization activities include:
- Work with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to publish Mapping and Assessment of the United States Ocean Wave Energy Resource.
- Work with EPRI to study the in-stream (free-flow, zero-head) energy potential of major rivers in the continental United States and Alaska. Information from this assessment will be available on NREL's GIS and Mapping website and on OpenEI in mid 2012.
- Work with Lockheed Martin Corporation on a global study of the ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) resource. This assessment will be available on NREL's interactive Marine and Hydrokinetic Atlas in mid-2012.
NREL's Web-based Marine and Hydrokinetic Atlas presents important wave parameters on both an annual and a monthly basis.
NREL's Marine and Hydrokinetic Atlas displaying the wave power density for Alaska and the Pacific Northwest
