An assessment of the renewable hydrokinetic energy potential in Cook Inlet, Alaska

In this article, Rutgers University´s Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) was employed with tidal forcing only to carry out a numerical assessment of the spatio-temporal distribution of hydrokinetic energy in Cook Inlet, Alaska by using the power density metric as a proxy. Power density maps showed that the optimal locations for turbine placement were the strait between West and East Foreland and the Anchor Point, North Foreland, Point Possession, northern Fire Island and Knik Arm regions. This assessment will be repeated using a full synoptic hindcast carried out for the June 20-August 20, 2012 time period to simulate realistic conditions. The final assessment from this modeling study will be provided to the Alaska Energy Authority to aid in siting hydrokinetic turbine projects.