A Fuzzy Logic Technique for the Environmental Impact Assessment of Marine Renewable Energy Power Plants

The application of fuzzy logic to environmental impact assessment (EIA) provides a robust method to address uncertainties and subjectivities inherent in evaluating complex environmental systems. This is particularly relevant in ocean renewable energy projects, where predicting environmental impacts is challenging due to the dynamic nature of marine environments. We conducted a comprehensive literature review to identify the types of impacts currently being investigated, assessed, and monitored in existing marine energy conversion projects. Based on these foundations, we developed both traditional and fuzzy mythologies for EIA. The fuzzy logic methodology approach allows for the incorporation of uncertainties into the assessment process, converting qualitative assessments into quantifiable data and linguistic levels and enhancing decision-making accuracy. We tested this fuzzy methodology across four types of ocean energy devices: floating, submerged, fixed to the ocean floor, and onshore. Finally, we applied the methodology to the EIA of a marine energy project in the Cozumel Channel, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The results demonstrate that fuzzy logic provides a more flexible and reliable evaluation of environmental impacts, contributing to more effective environmental management and sustainable development in marine renewable energy contexts.