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Turnagain Arm tidal energy permitting
Company pursuing the possibility of electrical power generation using tidal turbines seeks extension of preliminary FERC permit Alan Bailey for Petroleum News
Turnagain Arm Tidal Energy Corp. has applied to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a four-year extension to its preliminary permit for a proposed tidal energy system in the Turnagain Arm. The company's original permit was issued in 2021. The company has asked for an extension from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2029 -- the concept is to maintain priority for licensing this particular project while gathering data and determining project feasibility.
A phased approach The company proposes a phased approach to a tidal energy development. Phase one would be a pilot project, involving the installation of a single 1 to 5 megawatt tidal turbine system. After testing this arrangement for 12 to 18 months the company would apply for a commercial license for a 10 to 20 megawatt system. This would involve the installation of an additional 5 to 15 megawatts of turbine capacity to the initial turbine system. Phase three would expand the system using an additional 80 megawatts to 190 megawatts of turbine capacity.
In each phase of the project energy storage, presumably using a battery energy storage system, would be installed, to maintain energy output during slack tidal conditions. And during phase two power cabling infrastructure would be installed, to enable the delivery of power from both the phase two and phase three developments.
Located near mouth of Turnagain Arm The tidal power system would be located somewhere between Point Possession on the Kenai Peninsula and Fire Island near Anchorage. It would connect to Chugach Electric's electrical system near the Ted Stevens International Airport, the application says.
The permit application does not indicate what type of tidal turbine technology would be used, nor how the turbines would be installed. However, the application indicates that the project would have minimal environmental impacts.
"The tidal project can be designed to enable the free movement of fish and whales and produces no noise or other pollution when in place and operating," the application says. "The turbines turn at a very slow speed and can be compared to a hotel entrance revolving door."
The application also says that the installation depths of the turbines will allow the natural freezing and thawing of the water without any interruption of power generation. And recreational fishing, boating and commercial shipping would not be impacted, the application says.
Excess capacity could have industrial uses The application says that electricity from the project would be delivered into the local electricity grid but that the potential energy generated would greatly exceed the local energy load. The most likely arrangement would be to use the excess electricity for the manufacture of hydrogen through the electrolysis of water. In addition to the use of hydrogen gas, hydrogen can be employed to manufacture materials such as ammonia, methanol and carbohydrate fuels, the permit application says. The availability of cheap excess electricity might also attract industries to Alaska, such as mining, aluminum smelting, zinc smelting and petrochemical production, the application suggests.
Studies underway The application indicates a list of studies that have already been underway in support of project planning. Estimating is also in progress for the costs of permit applications, project planning and facility construction. Turnagain Arm Tidal Energy Corp. is also seeking preliminary commitments to the project from communities, state government, federal government and private sector energy users.
During the requested permit extension period the company proposes conducting a preliminary engineering study that includes an environmental impact assessment; a preliminary siting investigation; site selection; cost estimation for planning, engineering design and construction; and public relations activities. The company anticipates being able to raise private funding for these activities. However, the company will also seek government grant funding -- in 2023 the Turnagain Arm project was named the "alternate project," for possible funding under a Department of Energy program to establish large-scale tidal and water current energy research.
The application says that facility construction will involve the hiring of large consulting, engineering and construction firms and that Turnagain Arm Tidal Energy Corp. has conducted discussions with major investment banks regarding project funding.
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