Environmental Benefits
Wave energy is essentially a non-depleting source of emission free power. Other energy sources that fit within this category are: wind, hydropower, solar, geothermal and nuclear.
Based on the work and knowledge associated with the Oceanlinx greenWAVE and blueWAVE design process, an initial Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Oceanlinx WEC devices has been carried out to calculate the emissions output over the life of the devices (25 years), considering all processes involved in the construction, installation, operation and decommissioning phases.
It is estimated that an Oceanlinx greenWAVE or blueWAVE WEC device will have life cycle carbon emissions as low as 24g CO2-e/kWh, which may vary depending on specific construction requirements and project capacity factor. This is approximately 33 times less emissions than those derived from a black coal fired power station. If black coal is the fuel replaced or avoided for power generation purposes, an Oceanlinx WEC unit will be able to save up to 4,400 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year.
Where installed, ocean waves will be a local energy source that can make a contribution to the security of energy supply. In many places it will reduce the dependence on fuel imports and, in turn, reduce fuel cycle emissions, particularly those related to fuel transportation.
The main contribution of Oceanlinx WEC units to emissions is due to its use of energy in the raw material extraction and fabrication processes, with a lesser contribution from diesel fuel consumption in vessels used in the transportation to site of the structure and equipment.
It is also projected that emissions from Oceanlinx devices will reduce in the future with improvements in the structure, foundation configurations, and efficiency conversion factors.
In addition, the Oceanlinx technology does not have any moving parts underwater, hence minimizing the risk of any impact on the marine environment. The WEC units will be deployed at distances that are far enough offshore to have minimal visual impact and noise emission issues.
