In a bid to tackle the unique energy challenges faced by islands and coastal regions, a team of researchers led by Wen Zhao from the National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Harbour Oil & Gas Storage and Transportation Technology at Zhejiang Ocean University has published a comprehensive study in the journal ‘Fundamental Research’ (which translates to ‘基础研究’ in Chinese). The study, titled “Optimisation of island integrated energy system based on marine renewable energy,” delves into the integration of marine renewable energy (MRE) with conventional energy sources to create sustainable, low-carbon energy systems for islands.
Zhao and her team reviewed the current state of marine energy utilisation technologies, focusing on advancements in energy conversion equipment, grid integration, and energy storage. They also conducted a comparative analysis of the economic feasibility and environmental sustainability of marine energy systems. The goal? To enhance the development and utilisation of marine energy technology while reducing the economic cost of power generation.
So, what does this mean for the maritime sectors? Well, the study highlights suitable equipment for islands and proposes efficient energy generation strategies. This could lead to cleaner, more localised, and cost-effective island integrated energy systems (IIES). As Zhao puts it, “Island energy facilities vary, and integrated development is crucial for building new energy systems.”
The research also explores the optimisation of IIESs, focusing on modelling methods, intelligent algorithm development, and system simulation. This is where things get interesting for maritime professionals. The study considers the integration of marine energy into existing systems to achieve comprehensive integration of multiple energy sources. It also summarises optimisation and solution methods for IIES models.
Moreover, the study delves into marine energy and load forecasting methods to integrate complex, multivariable energy systems and create stable and predictable outputs. This could open up new opportunities for maritime sectors, from offshore energy production to coastal management.
As Zhao explains, “This study supports the advancement of marine energy utilisation, focusing on its progressive integration into island energy systems as the efficiency of marine energy improves.” The ultimate aim is to inspire the development of new functions and modules based on existing system optimisation and forecasting techniques.
In essence, this research could pave the way for more sustainable and efficient energy systems in island and coastal regions, presenting significant commercial impacts and opportunities for maritime sectors. So, keep an eye on this space, as the tides of change are on the horizon.