Harnessing synergy: integrating floating solar systems in Arklow Wind Farm’s next phase

E. McVeigh, G. Baruah, M. Karimirad

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Ireland’s commitment to harnessing renewable energy sources like wind and solar power marks a courageous stride towards achieving its ambitious goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, catalysing a transformative shift from a fossil fuel reliant economy towards sustainability in the nation’s energy sector. The focus of the paper is on revamping the Arklow Wind Farm's Phase 2, integrating both wind and solar technologies with the aim to maximise and sustain a consistent yearly energy output. Various Floating Photovoltaic (FPV) and wind turbine layouts were explored to achieve the Scottish multinational energy company, SSE plc’s, power capacity goal of 800MW for this site. As offshore FPV technology is still in its infancy stages of research and development, the main objective of the paper was to analysis multiple concepts and designs of different hybrid system layouts and their potential annual energy output. The study assessed the potential environmental impacts of the hybrid system, concluding that offshore foundation construction has the most significant positive environmental impact in comparison to its onshore counterparts. The principal conclusion discovered that by reducing the number of offshore turbines and including FPV into the site design, the total energy output can be increased while reducing the site area and evidentially the environmental impact. Overall, the hybrid system is seen as a crucial step toward Ireland's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and fostering energy independence.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInnovations in Renewable Energies Offshore: Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Renewable Energies Offshore (RENEW 2024)
EditorsCarlos Guedes Soares, Shan Wang
PublisherCRC Press
Pages129-138
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9781003558859
ISBN (Print)9781032905570
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 07 Nov 2024
Event6th International Conference on Renewable Energies Offshore 2024 - Lisbon, Portugal
Duration: 19 Nov 202421 Nov 2024

Conference

Conference6th International Conference on Renewable Energies Offshore 2024
Abbreviated titleRENEW 2024
Country/TerritoryPortugal
CityLisbon
Period19/11/202421/11/2024

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