Gulf stream marine hydrokinetic energy resource characterization off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina USA

The Gulf Stream off North Carolina (NC), USA has current velocities that approach 2 ms-1 and average volume transports of 90 Sv (1 Sv= 106 m3s-1) off of Cape Hatteras, making it the most abundant MHK (Marine Hydrokinetic Energy) resource for the state. Resource availability at a specified location depends primarily on the variability in Gulf Stream position, which is least offshore of Cape Hatteras after the stream exits the Florida Straits. Proximity to land and high current velocities in relatively shallow waters on the shelf slope make this an optimal location to quantify the MHK energy resource for NC. Multi-years of consistent current measurements beginning in August of 2013 from a moored 150 kHz ADCP at an optimal location for energy extraction quantify the available energy resource and its variability, and establish the skill of a regional ocean circulation model in predicting the MHK energy resource. The model agrees well with long term observed current averages and weekly to monthly fluctuations in the currents. Comparisons between the model and ADCP observed currents, and power density demonstrate the significant inter-annual variability in the Gulf Stream power density.