Florida Atlantic: Harnessing Ocean Energy

Florida Atlantic University’s Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center (SNMREC) secured an $800,000 grant from the United States Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office. This funding aims to advance the readiness of ocean energy technologies, with a focus on harnessing the immense power of the Gulf Stream currents off the coast of Southeast Florida.

SNMREC’s pioneering project will establish a feasibility study for an offshore ocean current test facility in Palm Beach County. The project’s overarching goal is to enhance the nation’s competitiveness in marine energy, boost domestic manufacturing, and create jobs while contributing to clean energy objectives.

SNMREC will collaborate with entities including Lake Worth Beach Electric Utility, 3U Technologies, IDOM Incorporated and the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) on this initiative, which will position Southeast Florida as a global leader in ocean current energy innovation.

“Our vision for a blue energy hub in Southeast Florida represents a significant leap forward in renewable energy technology,” said Gregg Fields, Ph.D., vice president for research at Florida Atlantic.

Currently, no active ocean current test facilities exist globally. While some areas – like North Carolina – are potential locations, Southeast Florida offers unique advantages. The Florida Current, a segment of the Gulf Stream constrained by the Bahamian Shelf, flows near major ports and population centers, making it an ideal candidate for energy generation.

Ocean energy – derived from currents, waves and gradients – is abundant, predictable and consistently available; key traits for utility-scale energy projects. However, developing efficient and cost-effective technologies to capture this energy remains a challenge. SNMREC’s planned facility will address these challenges by testing and refining technologies in real- world conditions, reducing technical and financial risks.

Local utilities such as Florida Power & Light and Lake Worth Beach’s municipal utility are integral to the project, providing critical grid connections and support. Additionally, the region’s infrastructure, including major ports and a skilled workforce, positions it as a hub for marine energy development.

The project’s feasibility study will evaluate a grid- connected offshore test facility’s technical and economic viability. SNMREC will manage technical requirements, risks and costs, while partners like IDOM and EMEC will contribute expertise in facility design and operational strategies. Stakeholder engagement and a phased construction approach will ensure compatibility with marine energy technologies while minimizing costs and risks.

Since its inception in 2007, SNMREC has been a leader in marine renewable energy, receiving more than $25 million in funding and achieving milestones such as securing the first U.S. offshore marine energy lease. Based at Florida Atlantic’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, the center is well-positioned to make Southeast Florida a blueprint for ocean current energy innovation.

This project aims to advance renewable energy and deepen understanding of coastal habitats and marine environments, paving the way for a sustainable energy future.