Integration of wave energy into Energy Systems: an insight to the system dynamics and ways forward

Abstract

Wave energy is a rich and highly accessible renewable energy resource, that has largely been under-developed. Studies from the sector have tried to show the potential of benefits wave energy in “simple cases” or via small hybrid systems, the large scale incorporation of wave energy has not yet been fully investigated. Our approach uses a fully dynamic climate driven energy system model, which has undergone modifications to include wave energy converters and their associated dependencies. This study explores the system dynamics and important elements that will be used for large scale wave energy integration; in a fully coupled European Energy System. We explore the cost pathways of different wave energy converters, the impact of climate data, and the impact of transmission capacity expansion under cost-optimal configurations of a multi-renewable European power system. From this preliminary approach we aim to provide the boundary conditions, and assumptions that will govern the integration of wave energy into the European Energy System up to 2050.