Hydrokinetics and FERC's regulatory process

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s non-federal hydroelectric project licensing program is the result of decades of refinement through practice, precedent, public involvement, coordination with partner agencies and Indian tribes, and formal rulemakings. The field of hydrokinetic energy, while promising, is rapidly changing, untested, and uncertain.  Under these circumstances, application of the Commission’s proven regulatory system and incorporating appropriate adaptations for hydrokinetic technology is efficient and prudent.  The Commission is committed to supporting the orderly demonstration and development of hydrokinetic technology while minimizing the risk of adverse environmental effects.  Hydrokinetic technologies must be proven before large scale commercial deployment can occur.  Though information about the potential environmental effects of large-scale deployments of these devices is limited, the Commission believes there is sufficient information to analyze the resource effects of small projects.   In an effort to reduce the environmental uncertainties surrounding the technology, the Commission has encouraged hydrokinetic project developers to begin small, monitor, and incorporate adaptive management to make any necessary modifications.  The Commission believes this class of project may be able to be carried out with little risk to the environment, while the rewards from testing the technology and understanding interactions with the environment could be substantial.