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Multi-criteria evaluation of potential Australian tidal energy sites

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-21, 00:43 authored by Philip MarshPhilip Marsh, Irene PenesisIrene Penesis, Jean-Roch NaderJean-Roch Nader, Cossu, R
Most tidal energy site studies concentrate on resource size; few examine other factors that may be of equal or even greater importance in determining site feasibility for tidal turbine array deployments. These factors include aspects such as electrical grid proximity, water depth, the location of marine protected areas, pre-existing users, environmentally significant regions and other restrictions. Using these factors, a more holistic approach to site selection was conducted for Australian waters using a Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) process. This MCE method uses standardized factors combined with weighted linear combinations to calculate a site suitability index, where each factor is multiplied by a weight of relative importance. A sensitivity analysis on the factor weighting was performed to ensure the suitable selection of weighting factors to reduce conformation bias. The developed MCE model identified three promising locations in Australia, with contiguous areas in regions to the north of Broome Western Australia of 534 km2, the Banks Strait region northeast of Tasmania of 67 km2, and the Clarence Strait located in the Northern Territory of <1 km2 found. Additional examinations of possible co-location of tidal energy devices with wind and wave energy were examined.

Funding

Australian Renewable Energy Agency

MAKO Tidal Turbines Pty Ltd

OpenHydro Group Ltd

Sabella SA

Spiral Energy Corporation Pty Ltd

University of Queensland

History

Publication title

Renewable Energy

Volume

175

Pagination

453-469

ISSN

0960-1481

Department/School

Australian Maritime College

Publisher

Elsevier Ltd

Place of publication

United Kingdom

Rights statement

© 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Tidal energy