The Energy Policy Act of 2005 gave MMS the authority to regulate alternative energy projects and alternate use of existing oil and gas facilities on the OCS. Alternative energy includes, but is not limited to wind, wave, solar, underwater current and generation of hydrogen. Alternate uses of existing facilities may include research, education, recreation or support for offshore operations and facilities. This new arena presents many challenges because the majority of the systems are still in the prototype-testing phases. Regulations are being implemented and evaluated. MMS is also evaluating the potential of conducting renewable energy research at the Ohmsett facility.

As the most promising technologies emerge, standards will have to be developed. Safety risk assessments will need to be conducted. Operational monitoring/inspection systems will need to be established. Loading factors, factors of safety, fatigue drivers, failure consequences, and geo-technical issues will all have to be identified and evaluated. Within funding constraints, these issues will be prioritized based on the most immediate needs.