Analysis of Ocean Energy Integration in Ibero-American Electric Grids

Abstract

An analysis of ocean energy integration in Ibero-American electric grids have been summarized in this article. Offshore wind, floating solar PV, tidal, waves and even saline gradient are the technologies considered. Four different Ibero-American regions have been considered: Mesoamerica, South America, Iberian Peninsula and Macaronesia. Areas or countries have been selected from each region as representative of the critical conditions, in terms of grid integration. The development of the ocean renewable energy, as referenced in the objectives achievement of many energy roadmaps in such regions, is conditioned by the possibilities to integrate the marine generation power plants in the electric systems. The objective of this analysis is to give an overview of the opportunities and barriers for integrating ocean renewable energy into these electrical grids. Identifying grid limitations would help to implement mechanisms and strategies that minimize the electrical grid impact of the integration ocean renewable energy.