ABPmer highlights the role of Hydrographic Data in the Marine Renewable Energy Sector

ABP Marine Environmental Research Limited (ABPmer) will be presenting a paper on New Opportunities for Hydrography in the Marine Renewable Energy Sector at the 16th International Hydrographic Symposium, Hydro8, in Europe’s 2008 Capital of Culture, Liverpool, on 6 November.

Having a strong track record of marine and environmental support to offshore wind, wave and tidal power projects, ABPmer is well versed in the application of hydrography to the marine renewable energy sector.  Drawing on ABPmer’s research for government and assessments for utility companies as well as its advancement of industry standard’s for the use of metocean data, Nick Kitson (Associate, ABPmer) will identify how, at each phase of the development cycle, hydrographic data plays a key role in the decision making process.

Current pressures from the cost of energy and security of supply concerns are likely to drive the offshore marine renewable energy sector for some decades. Round 3 of the UK Offshore Wind development is now underway, and developments will be an order of magnitude greater in size & complexity than Round 2 projects. Correspondingly, hydrographic data requirements will also increase.   There is now an increasing concerted effort behind the development of wave and tidal current technologies now that leading proponents have proven prototype technologies in the field.

Bill Cooper, ABPmer Managing Director, said “There are a number of drivers for the identification and development of renewable energy technologies. It is widely acknowledged that a vast renewable energy resource exists ‘offshore’ in the form of wind, wave and tidal energy, the exploitation of which has progressed to varying degrees in recent times. Hydrographic practitioners, like ABPmer, are well placed to assist renewable energy developers through the provision of site specific data, using its wealth of experience, working in these often hostile environments.”

Conference details 
Atlas of UK Marine Renewable Energy Resources