Sitkana Secures Department of Energy Grant to Revolutionize Tidal Energy Capture Using Idle Fishing Vessels
July 01 2024 - 2:45PM
Business Wire
Sitkana, an emerging startup specializing in hydroelectric
technologies to harness the power of the earth's tides, is thrilled
to announce a partnership with Sandia National Laboratories on
their groundbreaking project, "Mobilizing Under-utilized Vessels
for Tidal Energy Capture," which has been selected to receive a
prestigious grant from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of
Technology Transitions.
This visionary project aims to harness the untapped potential of
idle fishing vessels during Alaskan winters to meet the region’s
escalating energy demands. By equipping these vessels with
Sitkana's state-of-the-art hydroelectric devices, they can be
transformed into floating power generators. This not only provides
much-needed energy during peak demand periods but also offers a
lucrative supplemental income stream 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."
Project Highlights:
- Energy and Income Generation: Utilizing idle fishing
vessels during the off-season to produce hydroelectric power,
addressing peak energy demands and providing additional income for
vessel owners.
- Open-source Software Tool: The project will develop a
freely available, open-source software tool that allows communities
to evaluate their marine energy potential using Sitkana’s
technology.
- Community Impact: Empowering coastal communities with
the tools and knowledge to capitalize on marine energy resources,
fostering economic growth and energy independence.
This initiative underscores Sitkana’s commitment to innovative
solutions that promote renewable energy and support local
economies. 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.
About Sitkana: Based in Juneau, Alaska, Sitkana is
dedicated to pioneering sustainable energy technologies that
harness the power of the earth’s tides. As an emerging startup,
Sitkana strives to create renewable energy solutions that are both
economically viable and environmentally friendly.
For more information, please visit www.sitkana.com or contact
media@sitkana.com.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240701142117/en/
Lance McMullan (CEO) (210) 414-7791; lance@sitkana.com