News Summary
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has launched a new risk management framework aimed at aiding marine energy researchers and developers specifically in the area of wave energy converters (WECs). This structured framework addresses various uncertainties in project development, including technical components, environmental conditions, and stakeholder support. It emphasizes the significance of understanding vulnerabilities and includes a criticality analysis template. Additionally, NREL’s HERO WEC showcases how the framework can enhance the survivability and performance of marine energy devices. The framework is publicly available to support wise investments in wave energy technologies.
Golden, Colorado — The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has introduced a comprehensive risk management framework designed to aid marine energy researchers and developers in the field of wave energy converters (WECs). This new framework is structured to help manage uncertainties in the development and deployment of this innovative technology, which harnesses energy from ocean waves.
The Marine Energy Technology Development Risk Management Framework by NREL incorporates a wide range of considerations, including technical components, environmental conditions, funding sources, staffing, stakeholder support, and the necessary deployment permits. These elements are vital for ensuring the smooth progression of projects aimed at bringing wave energy into the mainstream energy mix.
The framework aims to navigate both positive and negative uncertainties that may arise during project development. By providing a risk register, it equips project developers with a methodical approach for managing variables that could affect their objectives. This structured process includes the identification of risks, analysis of their potential impact, and planning of responsive actions throughout project execution.
Importance of Understanding Vulnerabilities
NREL engineers have highlighted the significance of understanding even minor vulnerabilities within components. Recognizing and addressing these issues upfront can prevent potentially significant losses that could arise during later stages of development. As part of the revised framework, a new template has been introduced to assess failure modes, their effects, and possible underlying causes. This assessment is prioritized through a criticality analysis to focus efforts on the most impactful risks.
Human Factors Impacting Marine Energy Projects
The framework underscores the importance of human factors, particularly stakeholder support, which can significantly influence the timeline and overall success of marine energy projects. Involving stakeholders early in the process creates a collaborative environment that can lead to more robust projects and successful outcomes.
Current Projects: The HERO WEC
The HERO WEC, developed by NREL’s team, is an example of how this framework can assist in creating efficient and resilient marine energy devices. This innovative hydraulic and electric reverse osmosis device has undergone extensive laboratory testing and has been deployed five times in the challenging marine environment of the Outer Banks in North Carolina. The HERO WEC operates using either hydraulic or electric energy conversion systems, which adds complexity to its design.
Utilizing the newly established framework, the HERO WEC is designed to withstand severe marine conditions, including storms, thereby ensuring its survivability and reliability in real-world applications. These advancements are critical as they contribute to the goal of improving the economic viability and overall performance of wave energy technologies.
Collaboration and Public Access
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office has partnered with NREL to support the development of essential tools for conducting open water testing projects. This collaboration reflects a broader commitment to advancing marine energy technology by providing resources that aid developers at any stage of their projects.
The risk management framework is publicly available, serving as a beneficial tool for organizations seeking to invest wisely in wave energy technologies while mitigating costs and minimizing potential damages. By improving the understanding of marine energy risks, the framework aims to foster greater confidence among developers, paving the way for commercial opportunities in the sector.
As these technologies evolve, ongoing developments will strive to enhance the survivability, reliability, and economic feasibility of wave energy systems. NREL emphasizes the crucial role that performance data plays in promoting confidence, which is essential for attracting investment and advancing commercialization in the marine energy arena.
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Additional Resources
- CleanTechnica: Updated Risk Management Framework Supports Success of Marine Energy Devices
- Wikipedia: Wave Energy
- Interesting Engineering: Archimedes Waveswing Successful Trial
- Google Search: Wave Energy Converter
- OilPrice: Australia Pilots Novel Wave Energy Converter
- Google Scholar: Wave Energy
- Forbes: Could Wave Energy Become the New Nuclear?
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wave Energy
- Energy Global: Wave Energy Converter Tested in The Hague
- Google News: Marine Energy
