Thesis
A multi-resource assessment of current and future energy potential for marine renewable energy.
- Creator
- Rights statement
- Awarding institution
- University of Strathclyde
- Date of award
- 2026
- Thesis identifier
- T17577
- Person Identifier (Local)
- 201879469
- Qualification Level
- Qualification Name
- Department, School or Faculty
- Abstract
- Climate change is widely accepted as one of the most pressing challenges of modern times, with projected impacts including habitat degradation, heightened food insecurity, and an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Reducing CO2 emissions to either net-zero or negative emission levels by 2050 is critical to minimising the impacts of climate change. A key strategy to achieving net-zero is decarbonising the electricity sector through the development of renewable energy. Marine renewable energy is a nascent field within the renewable energy sector that has substantial power density which, if developed, could accelerate decarbonisation efforts. To assist renewable energy stakeholders such as developers, policymakers, and researchers, this research aims to provide a commensurate cross-resource comparison – covering wind, wave, marine currents, solar and ocean thermal energy conversion – of the historical, current, and future marine power density available. This research develops a standardised approach to evaluate power density, including a database of over 800 resource assessments, projections of power density changes under ‘best-case’ and ‘worst-case’ future emissions scenarios, and an evaluation of uncertainty in the data used in power density quantification. Results indicate that solar and marine current resources are underutilised based on current research and development and combined have an power density that could meet the electricity demand of 175 million residential homes, based on the 2019 average electricity demand in the United States. Further, the analysis displays non-linear future changes in power density occurring, varying in sign and magnitude depending on the emissions scenario and period considered. This thesis bridges the gap between scientific analysis and actionable intelligence, giving stakeholders a framework to compare and contrast the power density of offshore resources. By adopting this approach, stakeholders can ensure the future research and development of renewable energy can maximise clean energy generation and accelerate global decarbonisation efforts.
- Advisor / supervisor
- Ross, Lauren
- White, Christopher J.
- Resource Type
- DOI
Relations
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PDF of thesis T17577 | 2026-02-27 | Public | Download |