NOAA Energy
The NOAA Energy site brings together information about the energy related programs and resources in NOAA. [NOAA Energy Fact Sheet]
NOAA recognizes that the nation’s need for secure and sustainable energy requires the best science to understand and predict the ecological, economic, and societal consequences of particular energy choices, as well as the effectiveness of strategies for minimizing environmental impacts and maximizing energy efficiency. NOAA supports these requirements through its unique mandates and expertise for ocean and coastal stewardship, coupled with longstanding research and observational assets, forecasting capabilities, and partnerships across government, academia, and the private sector.
NOAA provides foundational information and services to support renewable and conventional energy siting and operations. NOAA provides information ranging from forecasting winds and the onset of storms to the timing and location of endangered whale migrations. Through research pilots and partnerships, NOAA is also working closely with federal partners and industry.
NOAA strives for balance between stewardship and development, to protect our trust resources while supporting the nation’s economic and energy goals.
Staff from each of NOAA's line offices are involved in energy in different ways relevant to the mandates of each organization. In addition, staff work together across the agency to coordinate and collaborate on relevant activities.
Several examples of NOAA's work are highlighted in the News and Resources sections of this site.
NOAA Energy News
- NOAA partners with University of Washington to research and prepare for changes in the oil and gas industry
NOAA and UW partners researched the trends that are changing the way in which petroleum is produced and transported in the United States. - NOAA Offshore Science Report Significantly Contributes to New York State’s Atlantic Ocean Study for Informing Offshore Energy Planning
On 10 July 2013, New York’s Department of State released the New York Department of State Offshore Atlantic Ocean Study describing the physical, biological, wildlife, and geographic characteristics of the offshore Atlantic Ocean adjacent to New York. This study, with significant contribution from NOAA, lays the groundwork for selecting suitable sites for offshore wind energy development. - More news...
Energy Resources in NOAA
- Research for Renewable Energy Development
Building on its expertise in environmental observation and prediction, NOAA can contribute to the development and integration of renewable-energy sources into the U.S. energy system through better atmospheric and oceanic observations, models, forecasts, and analysis tools. - Marine Cadastre
This integrated marine information system provides authoritative information that can be used to assess suitability for ocean uses, such as energy siting. - NOAA Energy Program
The NOAA Energy Program seeks to meet federally mandated conservation goals, improve energy and water efficiency in all areas of NOAA operations, and to minimize facility's energy and water costs. The Program is located in the Safety and Environmental Compliance Office. - Upcoming Energy-Related Meetings and Events
- NOAA's State of the Coast: Energy
Site offers high level statistics on ocean and coastal energy, an interactive map on Coastal State Energy Production Estimates, and Case Studies and Management Successes. - More resources...
Partnerships
NOAA has several energy related agreements with other Federal agencies and organizations:
- 2015 MOU Renewal for continued collaboration on weather-dependent and oceanic renewable energy research (DOE and NOAA) MOU
- 2012 MOU to Create a Great Lakes Offshore Wind Energy Consortium (Multiple Federal Agencies and Great Lakes States) Press Release and MOU
- 2011 MOU on Coordination and Collaboration Regarding Outer Continental Shelf Energy Development and Environmental Stewardship (DOI and DOC/NOAA) Press Release and MOU
- 2011 MOU On Weather-Dependent and Oceanic Renewable Energy Resources (DOE and DOC/NOAA) Press Release and MOU
- 2009 MOU Regarding Coordination in Federal Agency Review of Electric Transmission Facilities on Federal Land (Multiple Federal Agencies) Press Release and MOU