On October 15, 2012, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) hosted the second Ocean Energy Systems (OES) Annex IV Experts’ Workshop in Dublin, Ireland on the environmental effects of marine renewable energy.
The Annex IV expert workshop brought together 52 researchers, developers and regulators from 9 OES member nations to review the products of the Annex IV project and discuss the possible next steps beyond the initial 3-year effort. The workshop was organized to attain feedback on both the Annex IV database, a web-based knowledge system of international metadata on the potential effects of marine renewable energy development housed within Tethys, and a draft final report which highlights three case studies developed from information available in the database. The three case studies address: 1) Interaction of Marine Animals with Turbine Blades; 2) Effects of Acoustic Output from Tidal and Wave Devices on Marine Animals; and 3) Effects on Physical Systems. Based on the feedback, the database and report will be updated. The final report will be available early in 2013.
Overall, the workshop was very successful. PNNL and DOE received excellent feedback on the Annex IV database and report. Many suggestions for future Annex IV efforts were also contributed which will help support the growth and success of the Annex IV project as it continues.
If you have any questions regarding the workshop or Annex IV, please contact us.