This project came together as a result of a lifetime of work by Dr. Thomas Goreau. Dr. Goreau’s technology called Biorock is a revolutionary system that allows him to grow coral reefs at five to ten times the natural rate. Dr. Goreau and his team construct cage skeletons out of steel rebar on shore, take them out into the surf and submerge them.
Once in place they run a low voltage DC electrical current through the structures which causes the formation of calcium. Calcium is the material that shell organisms use to build their homes. Once coral is attached to the metal skeleton it begins to make use of the surplus calcium to grow at an accelerated rate. For the past 20 plus years Dr. Goreau has been traveling the world installing this technology in areas where coral reefs are damaged or bleached from the rise in sea water temperatures. Not only does this technology have the ability to sustainably regenerate reefs that have been bleached, in this case it can be used to create much needed shore protection for the eroding beaches of Arno.
These Biorock structures are at an early stage, once fully mature they are completely covered in coral. These structures have been designed to provide fish habitat for the depleting local fish stock – hiding fish are happy fish!
One of the biggest challenges that Dr. Goreau has faced is providing reliable electricity to his structures. The need for a steady power supply has driven him to research new energy technologies which can help service the Biorock’s power needs. As a result of his extensive knowledge in developing green energy technologies, Dr. Goreau now coordinates the United Nations’ Commission on Sustainable Development Partnership in New Technologies for Small Island Developing States. Through his efforts at the UN he connected with Roger Bason and his company Natural Currents, which has developed tidal and wind power systems to harness energy from the marine environment. Roger’s vision to service the marine communities of the world with sustainable energy is incredibly inspiring. After talking with Roger you cant help but be hopeful that humanity now may have real answers to solving our energy issues.
Roger Bason of Natural Currents. The interview was an enlightening experience. 
Together Banson and Dr. Goreau have designed a system that will produce enough energy to power what they hope will be the largest Biorock structure ever installed. Their other chief goal is to generate enough surplus energy from the wind turbine, and soon-to-be installed tidal turbine to distribute green power to the villages of Ine and Jabo. These people live with very little access to power and are excited about having access to reliable energy. I think this is an amazing project that will hopefully set precedence and show the rest of the world how easily green energy can be offered to the communities of Pacific Islands.
