Hawaii Ocean Tidal/Current Resource Assessment

The ocean surrounding the Hawaiian Islands is a potential source of renewable energy  from waves, tides/currents, or differences in temperature between deep cold sea water and warmer surface water.  Research and demonstration projects with ocean wave and ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) technologies continue to be conducted.  However, little information exists about the potential for energy production from ocean tides/currents in Hawaii.

Hawaiian Electric has commissioned a study to assess the ocean tidal/current resources off Oahu, Hawaii Island, Maui, Molokai, and Lanai and assess the status and applicability of hydrokinetic turbines to Hawaii’s ocean tidal/current resource.  These assessments can help identify the most promising sites for more detailed ocean current project evaluations.  Further investigation of these locations may lead to activities associated with ocean tidal/current demonstration and commercial project development.

HECO’s consultant conducted an assessment of the ocean tidal/current resources in Hawaii by modeling and evaluating the resource.  Contour plots of ocean currents generated by model simulations were produced (see above graphic).  In addition, the state-of-the-art of current hydrokinetic turbine technology and potential applicability of these technologies in Hawaii were evaluated.  If technologies are not presently applicable, the constraints that preclude its implementation and the outlook for overcoming these constraints in the future were described.  Status: Completed.