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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, RMost 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 EnergyVolume
175Pagination
453-469ISSN
0960-1481Department/School
Australian Maritime CollegePublisher
Elsevier LtdPlace of publication
United KingdomRights statement
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