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Sonoma Coast Hydrokinetic Energy Project

Sonoma Coast Hydrokinetic Energy Project (SCHEP) logo

In July 2011 the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) rescinded the three preliminary permits which had been granted to the Sonoma County Water Agency to investigate hydrokinetic energy development off the Sonoma County Coastline. FERC requires continual progress towards development of a hydrokinetic project in order to maintain the permits and the costs of required studies made the effort infeasible for the Water Agency to continue meaningful progress.  The Water Agency had applied for federal grant funds to assist in funding this project however we were unsuccessful and few grant opportunities were available for this work.  We regret that we were unable to continue advancing this effort and sincerely thank all of the Stakeholders and public who were involved in this process.

The below information on the project will continue to be posted for reference:

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In April 2009, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) accepted three project applications submitted by the Sonoma County Water Agency to investigate the use of offshore areas deemed to have significant potential for wave energy production. The FERC announced in July 2009 that the Commission has granted three preliminary permits for investigation of wave energy projects off the Sonoma Coast. Terms of the preliminary permits allow the Agency to study the feasibility of developing 2 to 5 megawatts (MW) of wave power at each location and to assess the potential for expansion to over 40 MW at each of the three sites.

The preliminary permits are issued only to allow the permit holder to conduct investigations and secure the necessary data to determine the feasibility of the proposed project and to prepare a license application; it grants no land-disturbing or other property rights. The preliminary permits expire after three years, SCHEP - proposed location mapunless an extension is sought by the Agency. The Agency estimates that about $1.75 million in grant funding and Agency funds will be required to complete the feasibility studies.

The locations selected for the permit applications include three ten- to fifteen-square mile areas along the coast north of the Russian River Estuary, each extending from one half mile to about 3 miles offshore. The Agency worked with a coalition of interest groups to select these locations based on their avoidance of Marine Life Protection Areas, known fishing and crabbing areas, and other sensitive areas. Approval of the permit application would give the Agency the priority to file a license application for development of the wave energy resources in these areas during the permit term. 

 

Advisory Committee Members

  • Bodega Bay Marine Labs
  • California Coast Keeper Alliance
  • California Ocean Science Application Program
  • County of Mendocino
  • Pomo People of Sonoma County
  • Friends of the Esteros
  • International Federation of Fishermen
  • Office of California State Senator Patricia Wiggins
  • Office of Congresswoman Lynne Woolsey
  • NOAA
  • Point Reyes Bird Observatory
  • County of Sonoma
  • Richard Charter
  • Sea Ranch Association
  • Sonoma County Water Agency
  • Surfrider Foundation
  • UC Davis
  • West Coast Watershed

 

Public Input

If you have any questions or concerns about tis project, email carbonfreewater@scwa.ca.gov or call 707-547-1981. Or click here to submit a comments form.

 

Public Meetings

  •  Sept. 9, 2009 - Gualala Community Center, 47950 Center St., Gualala, CA - Download PDF
  • Sept. 16, 2009 – Jenner Community Center, 10398 Highway 1, Jenner, CA - Download PDF

 

Press Release

 

Sonoma Coast Hydrokinetic Energy Project (SCHEP) proposed sites

Information

 

Project Location & Maps

 

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Documents

© 2012 Sonoma County Water Agency