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16 February 2007 -- A growing interest in wave, current, and instream hydropower technologies has led the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to seek public comment on how to process preliminary permit applications for these projects. Also, the Commission is seeking comment on how it should enforce permits once they are issued.
"These emerging new hydroelectric technologies have significant potential. However, these technologies present some challenges relating to reliability, environmental and safety implications, and commercial viability," FERC Chairman Joseph T. Kelliher said in a statement.
The commission has adopted an interim policy while seeking comment on alternative approaches to improve regulation for this expanding electric generating sector. It has already applied its interim approach for issuing preliminary permits for the Reedsport OPT Wave Park LLC. The company wants to study a proposed 50-MW project to be located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Oregon.
A preliminary permit preserves the right of the permit holder to have the first priority in applying for a license for the project being studied. A preliminary permit, which typically is for three years, does not authorize construction and requires the holder of the permit to file progress reports with the Commission on a regular basis. The permit provides a potential license applicant three years in which to develop a formal application for a license, which is required to construct and operate a hydropower project.
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