Work under the WAVREP project can be divided into 3 distinct sections (i) climate analysis and numerical modelling optimization (ii) wave resource quantification and energy potential analysis (iii) Economic uncertainty reduction and LCOE optimization.
The first section of WAVREP focused on optimisation of a spectral numerical model and the reduction of uncertainties in climate wave modelling. In the first part a spectral model was configured tuned for the North Sea region is presented with a thorough calibration and comparison with in-situ measurements. The parametrisations assess the performance of a new set of equations, which affect wind generation and whitecaps. The parameters have a direct effect on uncertainty reduction and minimization of biases, for other regions as well.
Following the optimal calibration and validation an open source metocean database is developed the North Sea Wave Database (NSWD) that provides high resolution information and has a long-term duration from 1980 to 2017 (end of 2017, 38 years). With NSWD second section estimated spatial distributions, expected variation, wave power and accessibility levels on wave climate analysis, extreme value analysis, the emerging wave energy industry, offshore wind and any offshore activity.
WAVREP also developed a novel index for an un-biased near deterministic unbiased methodology called Selection Index for Wave Energy Deployments (SIWED), providing unbiased information, assessing available WECs, metocean condition variability, and extreme events, engulfing all elements necessary not only for highest energy production, but also consistency and enhanced survivability considerations.
Third component is the reduction of economic uncertainty and assessment of LCoE reduction from utilizing SIWED to find the optimal WEC and region of applicability. In terms of LCoE most studies so far classified the North Sea and other moderate resource as non-viable, however, WAVREP result clearly shows that by utilizing a comprehensive methodology, LCOE can attain low value as 60 Euro/MWh.
The results from WAVREP have been disseminated and communicated at several international scientific outlets, and have also been disseminated with governmental organizations. A dedicated project website is part of the Fellow’s Research Gate account were all of the associated publications can be found at
https://www.researchgate.net/project/WAVe-Resource-for-Electrical-Production-WAVREP(si apre in una nuova finestra)The Fellow initiated collaborations with several organizations, being part of the Policy Task Force in the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) and have been contributing in white papers provided to policy makers. The Fellow also contributed to the development of energy policy strategy in the Netherlands by collaborating with the Dutch Marine Energy Centre (DMEC).
