Technology Module For Shoreline Wave Energy Conversion In The UK

Abstract

Sl. This paper presents a technology module for the electricity-generating renewable technology of shoreline wave energy conversion. The paper adopts the methodology and presentational format of the 1986 Appraisal of Energy Re sea r ch Development and Demonstration (Energy Paper 54 and ETSU-R43). S2. Using the results of studies being conducted within the current Department of Energy R&D programme in this topic, together with information available fro m other UK and overseas work, it is possible to provide an economic categorisation and a tentative assessment of the achievable contri bution o f shoreline wave energy for electricity generation in the UK. S3 . The technology seems best suited to the supply of electricity to sm a ll isolated island conununities such as those situated off the west and north of Scotland. It could also be used for central electricity supply as part of the grid system. In the case of isolated supply for island communities the technology at a resource size of 20 MW could be used as a suppleme nt fo r d iese l or gas-turbine generated electricity, when the operating and maintenanc e cost of supply is greater than 6p/kWh. In the case of central grid supply, t he estimated achievable contribution of 250 MW would offer a benefit-to-cost ratio greater than one for Planning Scenarios I, II and III with a coal back ground only when the costs of transmission from wave power stations on the islan d s 0f f west and north Scotland to the grid are excluded. When transmiss i on cost s c.r · included, the technology offers an economic contribution to mainland electricity supply only in Scenario I. The technology would not be econom i c for central grid supply with a PWR background, in any circumstances. S4. Tables Sl and S2 provide swnmaries of the Technology Assessment and the Appraisal of R,D&D for shoreline wave energy. If developed and deployed on the scale estimated, shoreline wave energy conversion could make a modest contribution to electricity supply for isolated island communities i n f uture years. At present, however, it should be classed as a promising tec hr:::: l ogy for these island communities. In particular, the achievable contribution, the economic prospects and the R,D&D expenditure prior to commercial deployment are not well defined.