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The tidal and river in-stream energy resource in the Shannon Estuary (W Ireland) is investigated using of high-resolution numerical modelling and spatial analysis. Although freshwater discharges are large, their influence on the available resource is found to be all but negligible, the tide being the main driver of estuarine circulation. The Tidal Stream Exploitability (TSE) index is adapted to the analysis of estuaries with non-depth-limited areas (TSE ndl), such as the Shannon Estuary, and then used to select the hotspots with potential for a tidal stream farm. For this purpose, a new depth penalty-limiting function is defined to avoid overestimating the available energy potential in areas with depths greater than those required for tidal energy converter operation. Seven hotspots are identified based on the revised index. The approach followed in this study illustrates the applicability of high-resolution numerical modelling and spatial analysis for identifying the most appropriate areas for tidal stream energy conversion. Finally, the potential of tidal stream energy to contribute to the much-needed decarbonisation of the energy mix in Ireland is emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cost-effective analysis (CEA) of hydrokinetic farms is typically based on simplistic assumptions regarding the performance and cost structure of hydrokinetic energy converters (HECs) and, in consequence, may lead to ill-informed decision-making. In this work, a novel approach to selecting the most appropriate combination of HEC and site within a coastal area is developed, with the accurate computation of the CEA parameters as the cornerstone. The approach, which is illustrated through a case study in the Shannon Estuary (W Ireland), encompasses four models, namely: (i) HEC-site selection model, (ii) energy production model, (iii) CAPEX model, and (iv) OPEX model. By avoiding simplistic assumptions, the proposed approach improves on current procedures and enables developers to accurately compute any cost-effective parameter of interest. In particular, operation and maintenance costs are considered, along with economies of scale, which are typically disregarded in existing procedures. Beyond the interest of the results of the Shannon case study, the approach can be implemented in other regions with potential for hydrokinetic energy conversion. • A procedure for optimum HEC-site selection is proposed. • The procedure leads to the accurate estimation of CEA parameters. • The procedure is applied to the Shannon Estuary. • The optimum HEC-site combination in the Shannon Estuary is identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A holistic methodology for hydrokinetic energy exploitation site selection is proposed. • The novel Integrated Hydrokinetic Energy (IHE) index is developed. • The IHE index is applied to the Shannon Estuary. • The optimum areas for hydrokinetic energy exploitation are identified. Hydrokinetic energy can contribute to diversify and decarbonise the energy mix in many coastal regions, in particular estuaries. These are typically areas of high environmental value and with intense socioeconomic activity. The aim of this work is to provide a comprehensive methodology for selecting the optimum locations for hydrokinetic energy exploitation, by considering all the relevant aspects which affect the decision-making process, and improve the current available procedures. The methodology is centred around a novel holistic index, the Integrated Hydrokinetic Energy (IHE) index, which considers: (i) the exploitable resource, (ii) the costs of installation, and (iii) the socioeconomic and environmental aspects. The approach is illustrated through a case study in the Shannon Estuary, on the west coast of Ireland. It is shown that the application of this methodology facilitates the planning and reduces the uncertainties in the development of a hydrokinetic farm project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]