AEA to study tidal power

The Alaska Energy Authority and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration  recently signed a memorandum of agreement to conduct an assessment of tidal hydrokinetic energy in Cook Inlet.

NOAA will measure and model water levels and the current, salinity and temperature within Cook Inlet waters to identify regions that could promise generation of tidal energy.

Peter Crimps is AEA’s Alternative energy  deputy director and says that thru the studies they hope to gain valuable information on harnessing tidal power.

The studies kicked off this week with a public information and stakeholder meeting in Anchorage.

Meanwhile, AEA is moving ahead with their plans on the Susitna Dam and will be in Talkeetna Monday afternoon with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission team.  They will look at the site above Devils Canyon at the mouth of Watana Creek where the planned hydro energy project is to be built.

There will be a public meeting at the Sheldon Community Hanger at 1 pm to explain the steps and answer questions.