Abstract
This study examined the energy requirements of shellfish (oyster and geoduck) and finfish (sablefish) production in nearshore and coastal aquaculture facilities in Washington State and Hawai'i and assessed the potential for meeting those requirements with renewable energy technologies such as marine, solar, and land-based wind energy. The energy consumption of the various aquaculture operations was calculated through energy models built based on data collected through site visits and operator interviews. The total annual energy use per million shellfish seeds was 15,298 kWh, and the energy use per thousand finfish was 64,420 kWh. Major drivers of energy use were found to be the production of algae, rotifer, and artemia to feed the shellfish and finfish, the processes required to sustain finfish broodstock, and the pumping energy required for seawater distribution. The resource potential and ability to power operations from marine, solar, and land-based wind energy were evaluated for each site. It was determined that tidal energy is not viable at the Washington State locations studied. Solar energy and land-based wind energy are more viable and may be able to offset part, and in some cases all, the energy needs at the sites studied. Opportunities remain for analyzing how the implementation of energy efficiency measures could change the energy use profile of the aquaculture operations at each facility. This research found that renewable energy could provide a reliable source of power for aquaculture operations.