The Marine and Hydrokinetic (MHK) Atlas is an interactive mapping tool designed and developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to help explore potential for marine and hydrokinetic resources.

Hydropower already provides 6-7% of the US’s electricity, and the ocean represents a largely untapped renewable energy resource with potential to provide clean electricity to coastal communities and cities across the United States. There is significant opportunity for water power to provide large amounts of clean and renewable power.

Wave energy potential is mapped along US coastlines, including Hawaii, Puerto Rico and portions of Alaska. App users can explore several variables used in the wave energy assessment such as: wave power density, wave height, wave energy period, and wave hindcast direction. Data for each variable can be viewed as annual or monthly averages. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) and South West College (SWC) resources are mapped globally.

Available data layers can display numerous variables used in the assessment including: net power, delta-t, sea surface temperature, plant spacing estimates and the depth at which specified water temperatures can be found for sea water cooling. The assessment data can also be used in conjunction with political boundaries, such as Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ).

Access the MHK Atlas.

Resources:

MHK Atlas user guide.