The assessments represent a first step in the delimitation of a map, which strives to pinpoint the best locations for harnessing ocean energy.
The “hottest” areas have revealed themselves to be Alaska and Hawaii, along with the West coast in general, while the East coast might also have a few spots of interest with strong tides. The map prides itself in being somewhat interactive: you can surf through the areas and with time, through the data accumulated in 30 years of research.
For anyone interested in other water power resource assessments, check out the Energy Department’s Water Power Program website. We guess it’s pretty cool knowing that the tide that you surf on is also providing your home with energy!
[via Energy Gov]