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Disruption to benthic habitats by moorings of wave energy installations: A modelling case study and implications for overall ecosystem functioning

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  • Krivtsov, Vladimir
  • Linfoot, Brian

Abstract

This paper presents the research carried out in the marine renewables group of Heriot-Watt University, where the physical models of wave energy converters are first tested in the wave basin, and the results of their behaviour are then compared to the simulations performed using mathematical modelling. An OrcaFlex model is used to assess the scouring effect on bottom sediments and consequent disruption of benthic habitats, and open water tests are being conducted to compare the model performance with the actual observations. The output from OrcaFlex is then imported to Matlab, where the affected area is calculated using the time series of coordinates of touch down points of the mooring lines. The results show that the area of benthic habitats adversely affected by the leading mooring line on a typical wave energy converter (WEC) monotonically increases with the increase in wave height. In regular waves of 6m height and 8s period, the area of benthic habitats adversely affected by the mooring lines may exceed 60m2. In addition to the direct effect on benthic habitats, sediment erosion by mooring lines will effect a whole range of ecosystem processes, e.g. due to changes in biogeochemical cycling and light penetration. These issues should be given a due consideration in calculations of ecological risks and EIA of any moored objects.

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  • Krivtsov, Vladimir & Linfoot, Brian, 2012. "Disruption to benthic habitats by moorings of wave energy installations: A modelling case study and implications for overall ecosystem functioning," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 245(C), pages 121-124.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecomod:v:245:y:2012:i:c:p:121-124
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2012.02.025
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    1. Bonar, Paul A.J. & Bryden, Ian G. & Borthwick, Alistair G.L., 2015. "Social and ecological impacts of marine energy development," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 486-495.
    2. Flocard, Francois & Ierodiaconou, Daniel & Coghlan, Ian R., 2016. "Multi-criteria evaluation of wave energy projects on the south-east Australian coast," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 80-94.
    3. Galparsoro, I. & Korta, M. & Subirana, I. & Borja, Á. & Menchaca, I. & Solaun, O. & Muxika, I. & Iglesias, G. & Bald, J., 2021. "A new framework and tool for ecological risk assessment of wave energy converters projects," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    4. Foteinis, S. & Tsoutsos, T., 2017. "Strategies to improve sustainability and offset the initial high capital expenditure of wave energy converters (WECs)," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 775-785.

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