Assessing the optimal location for Sipora wave energy power generator site placement from a geological perspective

Abstract

One of the potential sources of renewable energy in the Mentawai region is ocean wave energy. The western Sumatra sea has a wave energy potential of up to 20 kW/m. The wave energy potential modeling conducted by the Marine Geological Institute (P3GL) ESDM revealed that western Mentawai waters are locations that produce annual average wave energy of around 20 kW/m. The geological survey of the seabed for power generating wave energy turbine sites using acoustic equipment including the Echosounder Odec, SBP Stratabox, and Star Fish Side Scan Sonar. The mapping of the seabed allows for the identification of undersea morphology, slopes, structural elements, and seafloor objects. Ocean depth sounding and bottom surface imaging are used in this research to determine the placement of the turbine site from the wave energy generator connection grid. The existence of underwater corals and fluvial plain units, continental shelf with shallow seabed and a gentle slope with an average depth of 30 meters was recognized as the most important factor in determining the site's location in this research. Based on the weighting and scoring results, optimal locations for potential power plant sites are in coastal areas located in offshore near Batu putih coast.