Tidal Energy Development in Cook Inlet Alaska: Wake Assessment and Ice Risks

Several companies are actively pursuing tidal energy projects in Alaska's Cook Inlet, leveraging the region's exceptional tidal resources. Ocean Renewable Power Co. (ORPC) is developing a tidal energy project near East Foreland. Littoral Power Systems has received a preliminary FERC permit to explore development in the vicinity of existing oil and gas platforms. Tidal Energy Corp. aims to install turbines in Turnagain Arm, known for its 9.2-meter tidal range—the largest in the U.S. Cook Inlet's estimated 18 GW tidal energy potential far exceeds the Railbelt grid's demand, with high-energy sites near Nikiski close to existing substations. In support of tidal energy exploration, from August to October 2024 the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) conducted vessel Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) transects in the vicinity of oil platforms in lower Cook Inlet to characterize velocity in the near platform tidal currents and in the wake of the platform legs. This analysis of tidal velocities and wake effects will guide tidal energy development and grid integration opportunities. In separate work, the UAF is contributing to ORPC's “American Tidal Energy Project” in Cook Inlet, Alaska. The proposed project area lies within Cook Inlet waters, off East Foreland. The project's first phase focuses on advancing the understanding of sea ice in the proposed project area and assessing its implications for tidal energy development. To support this effort, UAF has conducted a comprehensive literature review including peer-reviewed studies, resulting in the development of a Geographic Information System (GIS) model that depicts the percentage of ice coverage and ice thickness. This GIS model, combined with UAF's analysis, provides valuable insights into sea ice dynamics, offering a framework for mitigating risks associated with ice-related turbine operations.