Abstract
The 2024 State of the Science report encompasses an introduction and a look ahead (this chapter), as well as nine chapters that provide details of research and monitoring findings around the world, identify gaps in knowledge, and list recommendations for addressing these gaps. The main messages from each chapter are briefly summarized in Chapter 11, followed by the outlook for OES-Environmental collaborations over the coming years.
As the fourth phase of OES-Environmental draws to a close, there remain substantial areas of uncertainty about MRE environmental effects, even as new fields of inquiry become important. The body of knowledge that has been gleaned over the past 14 years (2010-2024) represents a level of understanding that can be used to facilitate consenting of single devices and small arrays, as well as provide insight on how larger arrays might fit into the receiving environment. With the new phase (Phase 5) of OES-Environmental, the country representatives recognize the value of four new areas of work that will provide actionable advice and reduce uncertainty for MRE effects. Those four new areas encompass the ability to use the compendium of knowledge acquired to date to advise on environmental acceptability; to examine potential environmental effects of off-grid MRE applications; and to delve further into potential system-wide effects of MRE as the industry scales up. In addition, there is a need to further pursue tools and outcomes of potential social and economic effects of MRE. Each of these areas of focus for Phase 5 of OES-Environmental is described in the chapter.
The 2024 State of the Science Report consists of 11 chapters which can be downloaded as a whole or individually. Download Chapter 11: Summary and Path Forward here.