Identifying compatible locations for wave energy exploration with different wave energy devices in Madeira Islands

Abstract

This paper aims to assess the techno-economic suitability of different marine areas for the nearshore and offshore wave energy exploration in the Madeira Islands, while avoiding conflict with any technical, environmental, legal or other use restriction. A wave energy device is also evaluated, which could constitute the best energetic performance in such specific sea states. The compatibility evaluation of different wave energy conversion technologies is made through the computation of a novel index over the area of study. The location suitability assessment is made in a GIS environment by discarding different locations from the masking process. Later, a multicriteria decision making methodology is carried out over the available areas. The results aim to provide stakeholders and decision-makers with meaningful information on the most suitable locations and wave converters for the potential deployment of a wave energy exploration facility in the Madeira Islands.

Making renewable energies drivers of competitiveness in the EU Outermost Regions

“…With more than 1 850 kWh/kWp PV power output (PVOUT), 1 the Canary Islands are the EU OR with the largest solar potential. In 2021, the Spanish government and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) invested EUR 20 million in 65 new solar power systems with a total estimated capacity of 255 MW (PV Tech, 2021 [22]). Also, over 2003-22 solar renewable energies attracted most of the FDI in the region, accounting for 30% of total FDI inflows from Norway, Italy, Denmark, Australia, and United Kingdom.…”