Combined wave and wind energy: synergies and implementation

Abstract

Marine energy is one of the most promising alternatives to fossil fuels due to the enormous energy resource available. However, it is often considered uneconomical and difficult due in part to the initial stage of development of the technology and the harsh marine environment. With this in view, this Thesis proposes combined wave and wind energy farms as a way to enhance marine energy competitiveness by taking advantage of the mutual benefits. In this sense, the synergies between both renewables are deeply analysed in a holistic way through numerous case studies implemented by third generation models used as a conjunction – SWAN and WAsP. The benefits regarded along the different case studies are translated into monetary terms assessing the impact on the levelised cost of energy (LCOE).