Published: Saturday, September 19, 2009
How might tidal project affect marine life? PUD gets grant to find out
The Snohomish County PUD received a $600,000 federal grant to study marine life and the potential impacts of underwater turbines.
The grant is among nearly two dozen, totaling $14.6 million, awarded this week by the federal Department of Energy. Each grant will be used to study hydropower and hydrokinetic energy.
"We're breaking new ground here and leading the nation in the development of this clean, renewable technology," PUD General Manager Steve Klein said.
PUD officials plan to work with University of Washington researchers to study aquatic species in Admiralty Inlet -- and the potential acoustic impacts if hydrokinetic turbines are placed there. The research is set to begin next year and will last for about two years, Klein said.
The PUD has received more than $2 million in research grants and other funding over the past two years, PUD spokesman Neil Neroutsos said.
If the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approves the PUD's hydropower plans, the district could place up to three turbines in Admiralty Inlet within the next few years, Klein said.
Three turbines could power up to 1,000 homes, according to PUD estimates.
The grant is among nearly two dozen, totaling $14.6 million, awarded this week by the federal Department of Energy. Each grant will be used to study hydropower and hydrokinetic energy.
"We're breaking new ground here and leading the nation in the development of this clean, renewable technology," PUD General Manager Steve Klein said.
PUD officials plan to work with University of Washington researchers to study aquatic species in Admiralty Inlet -- and the potential acoustic impacts if hydrokinetic turbines are placed there. The research is set to begin next year and will last for about two years, Klein said.
The PUD has received more than $2 million in research grants and other funding over the past two years, PUD spokesman Neil Neroutsos said.
If the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approves the PUD's hydropower plans, the district could place up to three turbines in Admiralty Inlet within the next few years, Klein said.
Three turbines could power up to 1,000 homes, according to PUD estimates.
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