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OES-Environmental distributes metadata forms (questionnaires) to solicit information from developers involved in environmental monitoring around marine renewable energy project sites around the world. This page provides project descriptions, baseline assessment, post-installation monitoring, and links to available data and reports. Content is updated on an annual basis.

Kaneohe Bay OPT Wave Project

OPT Wave Buoy at Kaneohe Bay

Contents

MRE Project Site

Title: Kaneohe Bay OPT Wave Project
Status:
Operation Ended
Project Manager:
US Department of the Navy
Tech Developer:
Ocean Power Technologies (OPT)
Start Date:
End Date:
Info Last Updated:
Contact:
Ocean Power Technologies
(login for email address)
PRIMRE Link:
Projects Database
Website:
External Link

Details

Device Name:
PowerBuoy PB40
Technology:
Marine Energy, Wave
Project Scale:
Single Device
Grid Connection:
Grid-Connected
Installed Capacity:
40 kW
Country:
United States of America
State:
Hawaii
Physical Site:
Enclosed Basin
Water Depth:
30 m

Description

The utility PowerBuoy PB40 was a prototype with unique, direct-drive Power Take-Off system. Compact and modular in design, the PowerBuoy was less than 12 feet in diameter and 55 feet long. It was based on OPT's proprietary design which is primarily below the sea surface when deployed, with minimal visual impact.

Location

Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii.

Project Progress

OPT has been collecting data since the first OPT unit was deployed in June 2004 and has completed an extensive EA. This congressionally funded project, managed by Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), was intended to demonstrate the feasibility of wave power for naval facilities worldwide. The Buoy was installed in 2009, connected to the grid in September 2010, and decommissioned in 2011.

Key Environmental Issues

The OPT wave power project at Oahu underwent an extensive environmental assessment by an independent environmental firm in accordance with the National Environment Policy Act (NEPA). This study featured evaluation of potential impacts on: the seabed, fish and benthic organisms, mammals, vegetation, and water quality, all within the sensitive ecosystems of Oahu. The project study resulted in a Finding Of No Significant Impact (FONSI), which is the highest environmental rating. The results of this study are included in a Report to Congress prepared by the US Department of Energy, titled “Potential Environmental Effects of Marine and Hydrokinetic Technologies”.

Papers, Reports, Research Studies

Environmental Monitoring: Kaneohe Bay OPT Wave Project

ID Phase Stressor & Receptor Design and Methods Results
6761 Baseline Human Dimensions, Fisheries Identify fishing that occurs in the area
Underwater site assessment and desk studies. 		Completed
Fish such as ono or wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri), aku or skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), and moano ukali-ulua or goat fish (Parupeneus cyclostomus) typically occur along the 100-ft depth contour in the project area. For this reason, commercial, limited subsistence, and recreational fishing is conducted near the project area at this depth. The bottom conditions at the proposed project site do not offer unique habitat for species occurring in the area, and the site is not considered highly productive for spear fishing or uniquely attractive for SCUBA diving.
6762 Baseline Human Dimensions, Recreation & Tourism Identify recreational activities in the area
Desk studies. 		Completed
Recreational activities in the vicinity of the project area include beachcombing, boating, bodysurfing, bottom fishing, jet skiing, kayaking, outrigger canoe paddling, sailing, trolling, surfing, swimming, sunbathing, pole fishing, thrownet fishing, spear fishing, and SCUBA diving.
6758 Baseline Marine Mammals Humpback Whale presence
Underwater site assessment and desk studies. 		Completed
Humpback whales have been observed in waters as shallow as 15 ft from November through April. Tail slapping, breaching, and pods are routinely observed – as many as 15 individuals as one time.
6759 Baseline Marine Mammals Hawaiian monk seal presence
Underwater site assessment and desk studies. 		Completed
An average of three sightings a year occurs on the shoreline and in nearshore waters. None were observed during underwater assessment.
6760 Baseline Reptiles Green Sea Turtles presence
Underwater site assessment and desk studies. 		Completed
No turtles were seen during the assessment, but prior studies showed their presence.