Alaskan project to use idle fishing vessels for tidal energy capture 

Alaskan hydroelectric technologies startup Sitkana has partnered with Sandia National Laboratories on a project that aims to use idle fishing vessels during Alaskan winters for tidal energy capture.

The project has been selected to receive a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (U.S. DOE’s) Office of Technology Transitions. 

This project aims to use idle fishing vessels in Alaska during winter to generate electricity using hydroelectric devices from Sitkana, as well as to meet the region’s increasing energy needs and provide extra income for vessel owners.

“We are honored to receive this support from the Department of Energy,” said Lance McMullan, CEO of Sitkana. 

“This grant enables us to leverage existing maritime resources to create a sustainable and economically beneficial energy solution. It’s a win-win for both the environment and the local communities.”

Aside from using fishing vessels in Alaska during winter to meet peak energy demands, this project focuses on developing an open-source software tool to help communities assess their marine energy potential using Sitkana’s technology. 

By empowering coastal communities with the tools and knowledge, the project aims to foster economic growth and enhance energy independence through marine energy resources, said Sitkana.

“The development of an open-source software tool will democratize access to marine energy assessment, ensuring that communities can explore and utilize their energy resources effectively,” said Sitkana.

Sitkana was among the 12 projects selected by the U.S. Testing Expertise and Access to Marine Energy Research (TEAMER) program in January 2023 to receive technical support for testing marine energy technologies as part of its eighth call for applications.

The technical support recipients received support for testing expertise and access to numerical modeling, laboratory or bench testing, and tank/flume testing and expertise within the growing TEAMER Facility Network.