Marine renewable energy for Arctic observations

• Published in: Frontiers in Marine Science
• Main Authors: Ruth Branch, Fadia Ticona Rollano, Emma Cotter, James R. McVey, Robert J. Cavagnaro, Ignatius Rigor
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2022
• Subjects: ocean observations; blue economy; autonomous platforms; wave energy converter; tidal turbine; vortex induced vibration; Science; Q; General. Including nature conservation; geographical distribution; QH1-199.5; Arctic; Climate change; Sea ice
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.970337; https://doaj.org/article/8ca91f1a2a1847bd97de98edc6f5e87d

Arctic observations are becoming increasingly valuable as researchers investigate climate change and its associated concerns, such as decreasing sea ice and increasing ship traffic. Networks of sensors with frequent sampling capabilities are needed to run forecast models, improve navigation, and inform climate research. Sampling frequency and deployment duration are currently constrained by battery power limitations. In-situ power generation using marine renewable energy sources such as waves and currents can be used to circumvent this constraint. Wave and current resources vary spatially and temporally in the Arctic, with some locations and seasons being better suited for marine renewable energy power generation. Locations and seasons with small resources may still be able to use marine renewable energy because of the low power requirements of the instruments. In this study, we describe the wave and current resources in the Arctic, outline the electricity generation developments that are needed to utilize the resources, and suggest use cases. Wave and current energy converters developed to power observations in the Arctic could also be used to power observations at lower latitudes. Marine renewable energy has the potential to decrease dependence on batteries and improve data collection capabilities in the Arctic; however, this would require the development of new low power technologies that can operate in extreme Arctic environments.