Abstract
The purpose of this report is to identify and characterize sites in Massachusetts that have
significant development potential for tidal in-stream energy conversion (TISEC). Potential sites
were identified from available sources and used a screening criterion that required the site to
have flood or ebb peak surface velocities averaging at least three knots. For the identified sites
meeting this criterion, a presentation of the site attributes is provided and includes:
• Tidal in-stream power density;
• Bathymetry and seafloor geology (including water depth);
• Utility grid interconnection;
• Maritime support infrastructure;
• Environmental considerations; and
• Unique opportunities.
This report provides the basis for selecting the most promising sites for a feasibility
demonstration project, notionally rated at 500 kW (producing 1,500 MWh annually at 40%
capacity factor) and for a first commercial plant, notionally rated at 10 MW (producing 30,000
MWh annually at 40% capacity factor). Sufficient data is provided to enable the Massachusetts
Advisory Group to select a single site for a subsequent concept-level design, performance
analysis and cost estimate
Six potential project sites were identified in Massachusetts that have both flood and ebb peak
tidal current surface velocities averaging at least 1.5 m/sec (3 knots). The depth averaged mean
extractable power (15% of the mean total depth-averaged power) at each of these sites is
indicated below:
1. Blynman Canal (0.003 MW)
2. Muskeget Channel (2.0 MW)
3. West Chop, Nantucket Sound (power density below 0.7 kW/m2)
4. Norton Point,Vineyard Sound (power density below 0.7 kW/m2)
5. Woods Hole Passage (0.069 MW)
6. Cape Cod Canal (1.4 MW)
Although Cape Cod Canal has the highest power density of any potential tidal stream energy
conversion site in Massachusetts, there is insufficient space to site TISEC devices within the
navigation safety margins specified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
From the standpoint of a total yearly average extractable power, the site of choice is Muskeget
Channel. Significant electrical grid upgrades, however, will be required to support a commercial
plant larger than 500 kW.