Electricity is something Western society often takes for granted. When flicking on a light switch or watching a favorite TV show, few Americans take a moment to think about the source of this power and how it is generated.

Renewable energy sources are a hot topic right now as the finite supply of fossil fuels rapidly dwindles. The scientific community is turning to alternate sources of energy, including wind, solar and now, possibly tidal energy.

The UW has signed an agreement with the Snohomish County Public Utilities District (PUD) to study tidal currents in Puget Sound, investigating sites where underwater turbines might use these currents to generate power.

Managing the study at the UW is mechanical engineering professor Philip Malte, who said he thinks tidal power could be an interesting and challenging form of renewable energy for the Pacific Northwest.

“The laboratory I work with is very interested in renewable forms of energy,” Malte said. “You want to look at renewable energy that makes sense. This could be a very practical form of energy for our region because we can predict the tidal currents — and therefore we can predict when the energy will be there. We thought this research opportunity could be interesting and relevant.”

The focus on development of such renewable energy sources has become increasingly pertinent, of late ,due to new requirements imposed by the passing of Initiative 937, which requires 15 percent of Washington’s energy to come from renewable fuels.

Most electricity within the state is powered by traditional hydroelectric sources, such as dams; however, I-937 requires that renewable energy come from sources other than these. Therefore, it is prompting scientists to investigate any potentially viable sources of energy.

Malte said it is important to ensure the long-term feasibility of renewable sources.

“We cannot rely on hydropower alone,” Malte said. “It’s a matter of being able to continually rely on renewable energy. Right now, hydropower isn’t being expanded, and we need to expand our options and look into all the other alternatives.”

The study will be in-depth and deliberate in order to examine all aspects of viability of tidal power, said Craig Collar, Snohomish County PUD senior manager of energy resource development and a project leader for the study.

“We need to investigate the technical viability,” Collar said. “In other words, are the currents strong enough, prevalent, etc.? We also need to measure the environmental impact on marine life of putting turbines underwater, and also the economical viability, if we do it at a cost that is competitive with other renewables, it will probably take four or more years until it is all complete.”

Collar said he believes that if these aspects prove to be viable, tidal energy could be a significant power source for Puget Sound.

“It absolutely could be a great source of energy,” Collar said. “The currents in the Puget Sound are predictable and close, which is important. We feel it is important to look into the resources in our own backyard before we look into others. If it’s viable, it could be a great thing.”

Reach reporter Katie Stapleton-Paff at news@thedaily.washington.edu.