Optimal selection of deployment site for wave energy devices

Many detailed wave energy resources assessments have been carried out so far. They usually aim to estimate the wave energy availability at a given area of interest, eventually to assess the wave energy extraction by using power matrix of the considered wave energy device. Nevertheless, the wave energy availability is not the only aspect that affects the actual viability of energy extraction projects. Indeed, it has been realized that also the variability of the energy resource plays a crucial role in the selection of the most suitable site where a wave farm may be deployed. In particular, the levelized cost of energy may strongly depend on the wave energy variability as the power take off device should be selected on the basis of such a type of analysis. This paper aims to propose a multicriteria method useful to select the optimal site where wave energy devices should be deployed if the wave energy variability is considered. The method takes into account the wave energy availability, the wave energy variability, the distance from the nearest coast, the extreme wave height and the loss of energy as a function of the rated power of the selected Power Take Off.