Assessment of the Development of an Offshore Wind Energy Project in the Archipelago of San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina from a Cost-Efficiency Perspective
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2020-12
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Abstract
This report could have not been done without the knowledge gathered during the master’s degree in Energy Policy and Climate. In particular, this work leverages the knowledge gathered on courses related to wind energy policy, science and technology. First, wind energy policy is key for proper offshore energy management. It sets the foundations needed for the development of offshore wind energy projects and is also a key determinant to the success of this type of technology. It also determines the “game rules” that need to be followed to engage all the stakeholders and ensure a positive environmental and social outcome of a project.
Second, it is important to understand the science behind this technology to understand the key influencing variables for an offshore wind turbine's efficient functioning. In this sense, bathymetry and wind speed are the key variables that need to be taken into account for the proper deployment of the offshore wind technology. On one hand, bathymetry has a direct impact on the installation costs of the offshore wind project as the cost will increase as the depth increases. And on the other hand, wind speed determines the commercial feasibility of a project.
And third, the characteristics of wind turbines and the current state of this technology is important to understand as it also impacts the cost-efficiency of a project. In this sense, a more efficient and larger wind turbine may represent efficiency gains in terms of cost reductions and increased electricity generation compared to a smaller and less efficient one. To analyze the effect of the technology on the cost-efficiency of a project, it is crucial to understand the policy and science aspects associated to offshore wind energy.
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renewable energy, offshore wind energy, levelized cost of electricity, Colombia, San Andres, Providencia, Santa Catalina