Life Cycle Assessment for the ISWEC Wave Energy Device

Abstract

In recent years, wave renewable energy is becoming established as one of the crucial components of a diversified and successful energy mix. The Inertial Sea Wave Energy Converter (ISWEC) is a mature technology, especially designed for closed seas, as the Mediterranean Sea, which has already been deployed in full-scale. At this stage of development, since the technology has been proven successful, it is crucial to assess its environmental impact. A life cycle assessment has been performed on the ISWEC including all relevant phases, from raw material extraction, to construction, assembly, transportation, use and final dismantling. As an outcome, the LCA study allowed the calculation of a set of impacts on the environment, resources depletion and human health that allows the innovative renewable energy-based technology to be consistently compared with other solutions. One of the most popular impacts, such as climate change, has been estimated at 31.5 gCO2eq/kWh which is in line e.g. with the performance of photovoltaics.