Marine renewable energy has enormous potential, however, due care should be taken that possible environmental impacts are brought to a minimum to address public and other stakeholders’ concerns for such projects.
To be able to propose technical mitigation measures, a clear understanding is needed of the likely environmental impacts of noise (during both installation and operation), vibrations and electromagnetic emissions of most mature marine renewable technologies (i.e. offshore wind, wave and tidal energy systems).
A study is to be launched to review the available scientific evidence and the significance of those impacts and then make recommendations on solutions to mitigate/cancel the identified negative effects.
[mappress]
Offshore WIND staff, May 10, 2013; Image: alphaventus