Proposed Methodology for Assessing Cost of Synergies between Offshore Renewable Energy and Other Sea Uses

This paper aims at presenting an innovative methodology for identifying the possible “cost saving synergies” between wave energy and other sea uses. Three case studies will be presented to illustrate the methodology: those all include a hybrid platform of wave and wind (STC with torous WEC, Wave Dragon and wind turbine, W2Power) and another (non-energy) sea use. The methodology described in the present study has the value of presenting synergies under an economic prospective. Synergies can be found both in structural, installation and maintenance costs. The CAPEX and OPEX for the energy platforms are examined into details with the cost model realized within the MARINA FP7 project and with market projections for non-energy activities (fish farming, algae farming and desalination). The results are presented in terms of costs per unit, expected energy production and expected revenue from the energy and non-energy activities sales. The added value of the study consists in presenting hybrid platforms as viable solutions for wave energy installations ultimately contributing to the optimization of the sea space use in an attempt to decongest the coastal areas from economic and environmental exploitation while improving the economic analysis of offshore renewable energy.