Surviving the Valley of Death : Stakeholders' Views on Siting Tidal Energy Projects in Urban and Remote Communities

In-stream tidal energy projects are at an early stage of development when many prototypes fail, i.e., the 'Valley of Death.' To better understand social impediments to pilot project siting, we conducted a comparative case study in urban Puget Sound, Washington and remote Iguigig, Alaska. We coded interviews with stakeholders to identify themes about project development. Providing local renewable energy, advancing science and technology, and environmental awareness were perceived benefits, while negative environmental impacts, conflicts with other uses, and unintended consequences were perceived concerns of tidal energy. The major themes were: 1) organizations influence siting in urban areas while residents influence siting in rural areas; 2) stakeholder groups cited the wellbeing of their members to justify their stances on in-stream tidal energy projects; and 3) project siting was more successful where there was a simple and uniform assemblage of stakeholders and views. Stakeholders in the smaller, more uniform community were the most supportive of in-stream tidal energy because of a greater need for energy due to fewer energy options. Thus, siting in remote communities could allow tidal energy development to progress in mutually beneficial ways and help states like Washington and Alaska achieve their renewable energy portfolio goals