PORT HADLOCK — A pilot project to place underwater turbines in Admiralty Inlet as a power generation source will be explained tonight during a special presentation.
Snohomish Public Utility District Senior Manager Craig Collar will discuss the electricity generation project at 6 p.m. in the Jefferson County Public Library, prior to the regularly scheduled meeting of the Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee.
“Everyone is in favor of developing alternative energy sources,” Collar said.
“The unknown factor is whether we can generate energy in a way that is environmentally and technologically viable.
“We need to make sure this method does not damage marine life,” he said.
The PUD hopes to place two turbines on the floor of Puget Sound about 0.6 mile west of Admiralty Head.
The turbines will be connected to a power plant on Whidbey Island and will generate electricity during the life of the program.
Collar said the most optimistic start time for the program is in 2012, and it would run for about three years.
Collar said the cost of the pilot program “is in the tens of millions” and would come from Department of Energy grants and the PUD’s operating budget.
Data generated during that time would be used to develop programs for energy generation nationwide, Collar said.
“This will be unique,” he said. “There are no large- scale programs in operation anywhere right now.”
According to Collar’s presentation, the “shrouded turbine” technology has several advantages, including no exposed blade tips, the ability to run at low speeds and low environmental impact on the seabed.
The proposed location has its own set of advantages, including the ability to be positioned deep enough to not interfere with shipping lanes and ferry routes.
Collar said the cost may prompt some opposition, but that it will eventually pay for itself.
“This whole process is yet to be explored.” he said.
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Jefferson County reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
