(P05) A holistic environmental assessment approach for a state marine hydrokinetic program in North Carolina

Marine renewable energy development may benefit the marine environment, for instance by introducing structure/habitat, but also poses potential risks to marine ecosystems and organisms. Our state-funded program has set-out to characterize the marine environment off the coast of North Carolina and identify potential risks and opportunities presented by future marine hydrokinetic energy development as well as challenges that components of the marine environment may pose for marine renewable energy developers, such as biofouling. Our investment in understanding environmental risks to and from marine renewable energy will enable us to make well-informed decisions regarding siting of marine renewable energy developments, mitigating risks, and building social license, thereby providing a clearer path for innovation and investment in harnessing wave and current energy off the coast of North Carolina and elsewhere around the world.