Environmental and Social Acceptance module: reducing global and local environmental impacts for Ocean Energy Projects

Abstract

Designing reliable ocean energy devices with reduced costs is crucial for the sector’s development. This development of renewable energies should also be implemented in a sustainable manner and not cause additional environmental stress and related damage. In order for the ocean energy sector to consider environmental impacts at the earliest stage of concept creation, the Environmental and Social Acceptance (ESA) module was developed and included in an integrative suite of design and assessment tools (namely DTOceanPlus) to support technology innovation processes. Several complementary features were developed in the ESA module which provides insight into impacts at different levels. At local scale, environmental impacts are assessed in relation to the different design choices using thirteen functions (i.e. Footprint of the array, Collision risk with devices, Collision risk with operating vessels, Energy modification, Reef effect, Reserve effect, Resting place, Chemical pollution, Turbidity, Temperature modification, Electrical fields, Magnetic fields and Underwater noise) that cover various potential pressures induced by the ocean energy array. Moreover, surveys and mitigation measures are provided regarding endangered species potentially present. At global scale, a life cycle assessment is conducted to evaluate the carbon footprint of a project in terms of its contribution to global warming and the cumulative energy demand. Two reference models were used to exemplify the use and relevancy of the different features. Overall the ESA module provides insight and support to the ocean energy sector to achieve sustainable development of marine renewable energies.