Understanding and Informing the Process of Tidal Energy Development in Maine

Renewable energy technologies have gained increased political support as a viable option to mitigate the environmental and social impacts of climate change.  In March 2012, Ocean Renewable Power Company will begin installation of its first grid-connected tidal generation unit in Cobscook Bay, Maine, one of the best tidal energy sites identified on the East Coast of the U.S.  However, major uncertainties for tidal energy development exist; these include, but are not limited to, assessing environmental impacts, resource availability, commercial viability, and community acceptance.  The Maine Tidal Power Initiative, a team of engineers, biologists, oceanographers, and social scientists, has been working closely with developers and regulators to understand how to best move forward with the responsible development of this renewable resource. Here we present the sustainability science approach that we are using to understand and create linkages between technical research (engineering, biological, and physical resource evaluations) with social science and knowledge to action research necessary for informing decisions about tidal power development. Drawing on observations and interviews with key stakeholders, we illustrate the importance of a sustainability science approach and the value of human dimensions research in the development of tidal power.