Suffolk Reporter

The Atlantic Marine Energy Center (AMEC), a part of the Department of Energy, has allocated $12 million to Stony Brook University for a project aimed at advancing marine energy. The initiative is led by Ali Khosronejad from the Department of Civil Engineering and involves collaboration with the University of New Hampshire, Lehigh University, and the Coastal Studies Institute in North Carolina. Stony Brook University's contribution primarily focuses on computational research utilizing AI and supercomputers.

"The main goal is basically to power the blue economy [ocean resources for economic growth]," stated Khosronejad. "What we want to do is help the industry, startups and companies, and research institutes to test their devices and examine their performance before employing them. The other part of the project is to harness the wave energy for agriculture."

The project comprises several components, including new turbine blade materials designed for durability in marine environments. It also involves partnerships with startups to test devices and offers bootcamps and short summer courses for students and stakeholders on using this technology.

Engagement with the marine energy industry forms another crucial aspect of this initiative. The team aims to assist the industry in understanding marine energy resources while promoting sustainable ocean-based aquaculture. Currently, they are collaborating with Verdon Power, a company based in New York City that operates around Long Island Sound and East River in Manhattan.

"The other part of the project is to work with coastal communities to build trust so that they learn how they can harness the marine energy that's available on the East Coast," said Khosronejad. "If a company or industry partner wants to test their new device for renewable energy, they can bring it to our partner university to test it on site in open water for them."

One challenge faced by the project includes addressing knowledge gaps concerning turbine interactions with environmental factors such as sediment impact and local fish populations.

"Modern wind energy is about 25 years old and is almost developed," noted Khosronejad. "But marine energy is a relatively new concept... That is why the DOE is supporting such research centers in collaboration with research universities."

Team members express enthusiasm about potential outcomes from this research effort.

"We are very excited about the growth of our department's research activity in renewable energy," said Rigoberto Burgueño, chair of Stony Brook's Department of Civil Engineering. "Our university's geographical location is ideally suited... The multi-institutional collaboration allows researchers...to address present and future energy challenges."