Wave energy accelerating energy transition on islands

Image: CorPower Ocean – Credit: Colin Keldie

The study ‘Powering an island energy system by offshore floating technologies towards 100% renewables: A case for the Maldives’ looks at the possibility of floating offshore renewables replacing fossil fuels in challenging topographical areas. The case study, the Maldives, are dependent on diesel-based electricity generation and have limited land area but have access to sea areas.

The study concludes that wave energy and floating offshore PV have the potential to provide suitable decarbonisation solutions for islands and countries with restricted land area and secure the energy supply as needed.

Wave energy, with its relatively stable electricity generation over the whole year and especially during the monsoon season, was found to be the backbone of the Maldives energy system, even if the wave resources are moderate. Very good complementarity with electricity generation from solar PV and a constant electricity production over the whole year made wave energy an important part in providing flexibility to the energy system.