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from shore for visual observations [36–40,61–65] (Bertsch, 2012, pers. comm.;
Dixon et al., 2008, pers. comm.). *,† They can be installed wherever energy is needed
[61–65] (Bertsch, 2012, pers. comm.). ‡ Since many high-demand urban areas are
located near water, hydrokinetic energy projects can be easily integrated into existing grid. It can also provide energy to rural and remote areas where other means of
power and electricity may not be possible.
In general, hydrokinetic energy differs from traditional hydropower [34–65] in
three ways §,¶ :
1. As mentioned earlier, hydrokinetic energy projects do not require impoundments or diversions of water. Hydropower projects drastically alter the surrounding land. They can increase the likelihood of flooding upstream of
the dam [1–13]. They also cause an increase in sedimentation in the reservoir [10,11]. It also causes an accelerated erosion of the riverbed caused by
sediment-free water released downstream at a high velocity (Bertsch, 2012,
pers. comm.).
2. Hydrokinetic projects do not displace a large number of people that hydropower projects do, particularly when the projects are large. For people staying near dam, there is a continuous threat of dam failure due to earthquake
or other natural disasters [1–13] (Bertsch, 2012, pers. comm.).
3. Hydrokinetic energy projects can avoid impacts on surrounding wildlife,
although it can have an effect on underwater ecosystem if not properly
installed. The temperature and sea level fluctuations caused by hydrokinetic power projects can have an effect on the fisheries and other sea life. In
general, if properly installed, hydrokinetic energy projects are more environment friendly than hydropower projects.
In this country, waterways in Alaska are well suited for tapping hydrokinetic energy.
One of the challenges in hydrokinetic energy is the presence of glacial silt (in Alaska
waters). Over time, silt and other sediments in the water flowing through hydrokinetic turbines can erode the machinery. In addition to this, the migration of fish
* Hydrokinetic energy was included as an eligible renewable energy resource by the Energy Policy Act
of 2005. Various funding authorizations for research and development were also included in this Act as
well as the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.
† Bertsch, D.J., Juris Doctoral candidate, The University of South Dakota School of Law, 2011; Congress
defined hydrokinetic energy as “electrical energy from waves, tides, and currents in oceans, estuaries, and tidal areas; free flowing water in rivers, lakes, and streams, or man-made channels; and differentials in ocean temperature (ocean thermal energy conversion),” The Energy Independence and
Security Act of 2007, 42 USC §17211 (2006).
‡ Ibid.
§ Hydrokinetic energy was included as an eligible renewable energy resource by the Energy Policy Act
of 2005. Various funding authorizations for research and development were also included in this Act as
well as the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.
¶ Bertsch, D.J., Juris Doctoral candidate, The University of South Dakota School of Law, 2011; Congress
defined hydrokinetic energy as “electrical energy from waves, tides, and currents in oceans, estuaries, and tidal areas; free flowing water in rivers, lakes, and streams, or man-made channels; and differentials in ocean temperature (ocean thermal energy conversion),” The Energy Independence and
Security Act of 2007, 42 USC §17211 (2006).