Marine Renewal Energy Collaborative
The Marine Renewable Energy Collaborative (MRECo) is a nonprofit corporation that educates and involves all stakeholders (Academic, industry, governmental/regulatory, and public interest groups) to promote the sustainable development of renewable energy in New England ocean waters.
Sponsorship of Grant Application
In 2021 the Falmouth EDIC successfully applied to the Seaport Economic Council for grant funding in the amount of $197,063 in sponsorship and on behalf of the Marine Renewable Energy Collaborative of New England, Inc. (MRECo). The grant funding was provided by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC) and was used to establish the Massachusetts Ocean Sensor Testbed (MOST) located on the Cape Cod Canal in Bourne, MA.
The MRECo Bourne Tidal Test Stand (BTTS) provides an accessible, secure and stable location for sensor testing. Many businesses and agencies have used the platform; however, past usage has been limited due to lack of connectivity. This resulted in the need to use battery power and low data rate wireless communications. This funding was planned to allow power and broadband communications to be extended to the platform, greatly enhancing its usability for sensor testing and education. It would also allow the BTTS to be grid connected making it more attractive to tidal developers and will assist to support the economic development of this industry.
The testing platform upgrade began in 2021 and initially went very well. However, in early summer of 2022 the project ran into roadblocks. Though originally receptive, MassDOT declined to MRECo a right of way access along a roadway to the identified power source. While conversation about this and other viable power source options were taking place, MTC made the decision to not allow an extension on the contract which had an expiration of June 30th, 2022. These decisions resulted in the elimination of a significant portion of the unused funds. This was a disappointment to both MRECo and the Falmouth EDIC.
Importance of the Massachusetts Ocean Sensor Testbed
The Blue Economy is an essential and growing part of the Massachusetts economy and sensors are a critical enabling technology in every segment of this industry. The oceans represent some $1.5 trillion in annual global value (World Ocean Council, Feb 2018). As a source of minerals and protein for an ever-expanding world population, this economic impact will grow rapidly in the future. For that growth to be sustainable economically and environmentally, it must be carefully managed and management is only as good as the information available. Therefore, the future health of the oceans will be dependent on the ability of sensors and instruments to measure and monitor the physical, chemical and biological properties on an ever-broader scale.
Several legislators and various business supporters, including the Falmouth EDIC, continue to try to facilitate a resolution between the MassDOT, MTC and MRECo. The upgrade for the Bourne Tidal Test Stand is imperative to support the important contributions it provides to our community and globally. We remain hopeful this project will eventually receive the funding needed to complete the project.
Learn More and Support
To learn more and/or support the mission and activities of the Marine Renewable Energy Collaborative contact:
John Miller
Executive Director
508-728-5825
mrecnewengland@gmail.com
mreconewengland.org