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MMS funds alternative energy study for U.S. outer continental shelf
The U.S. Minerals Management Service has awarded a two-year, $443,000 contract to Eastern Research Group Inc. for a study into alternative energy development on the U.S. outer continental shelf.
“MMS is moving forward with offshore alternative energy as quickly as possible and we are seeking the information that will help us make the most informed decisions concerning this new energy supply for the country,” said Randall Luthi, MMS director.
The first part of the study will result in an overview of energy markets, including analyses of regional markets; emission and trading markets; market trends; and federal and state policies. The study’s second part will focus on the infrastructure needed to develop and support alternative energy facilities on the outer continental shelf, including the power transmission lines, the power grid, ports, manufacturing capabilities, shipyards and transportation.
Team will work with state coastal management zone programs The study team will work with state coastal management zone programs to define coastal areas and to assess economic relationships between coastal regions and alternative energy use.
The findings of the study will feed into decision documents such as environmental assessments for alternative energy developments and follows the issuance in November 2007 by the U.S. Department of the Interior of a programmatic environmental assessment for alternative energy on the outer continental shelf. DOI thinks that offshore wind farms have the potential for the greatest immediate impact, although there are other potential offshore energy sources such as ocean currents.
Under the terms of an interim policy, MMS has been accepting nominations for offshore alternative energy research projects.
—Alan Bailey
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