As part of the global transition to clean, renewable energy sources, marine energy should be considered, particularly for at-sea activities. Marine energy includes energy derived from waves, tides, currents, and salinity and temperature gradients. Energy from large rivers may also be included, as it can be captured using similar methods. While marine energy is a developing industry typically used to provide power to the grid, it holds unique potential to power activities in marine or coastal environments. Marine energy is a reliable source of energy, and one that may exist when other renewable resources (like solar or wind) are less present, making it useful for providing full power or for hybrid solutions.
There are several opportunities for the co-location of aquaculture and marine energy (Figure 1). Because marine energy technologies are unique, range in scale, and vary in ideal application, numerous possibilities exist to tailor a fit-for-purpose solution to an aquaculture operation’s location, needs, and size. This presentation will detail information from several research projects aimed at understanding the feasibility and opportunities for using marine energy in various aquaculture contexts. The first project assesses the potential for offshore integrated multi-trophic aquaculture and wave energy in Puerto Rico. It identifies viable locations for co-location from a technical perspective through spatial analyses and evaluates social feasibility through community engagement. The second project assesses the potential for tidal and ocean thermal energy to provide power for onshore hatchery and coastal grow-out and net pen aquaculture in Washington and Hawaii. This project includes assessing energy use at existing aquaculture facilities and identifying viable marine energy resources and appropriate technologies at each location.
The third project assesses the application of low-flow tidal energy for nearshore oyster and kelp aquaculture in coastal states. It evaluates marine energy resources near existing farms to identify opportunities.
The research being conducted in these three projects shows promise for furthering the feasibility of co-location between marine energy and various aquaculture operations.