Life cycle assessment of a lift-based wave energy converter

Paula Bastos, Fiona Devoy-McAuliffe, Abel Arredondo-Galeana, Julia Fernández Chozas, Paul Lamont-Kane, Pedro Almeida Vinagre

Research output: Contribution to journalConference Contributionpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
82 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Evaluating the overall advantages of a new configuration of wave energy technologies goes beyond techno-economic performance and reliability. As the marine renewable energy sector expands, it is important to ensure that the technologies prove to be environmentally friendly alternatives. A cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment was conducted on a novel energy converter (LiftWEC) to evaluate its potential cumulative impacts. The global warming potential was characterized, indicating that the configuration could be a potential low-carbon alternative compared with many wave energy devices and conventional forms of energy production. The carbon and energy payback time were also analysed to estimate the time required to offset the carbon emission and demanded energy. This assessment highlighted the impact of the characteristic energy mix profile and energy production potential of the deployment region on the results obtained. The study also analysed alternative scenarios of materials, deployment locations, and end-of-life strategies to identify potential improvement opportunities to reduce the environmental impacts.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-10
Number of pages10
JournalProceedings of the European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference
Volume15
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Sept 2023
EventThe 15th European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference - Bilbao, Spain
Duration: 3 Sept 20237 Sept 2023
https://ewtec.org/ewtec-2023/

Keywords

  • life cycle assessment
  • carbon footprint
  • wave energy
  • marine energy

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