Challenges posed by the integration of wave power onto the Irish power system

In order to gauge the potential impact of wave power in Ireland, the capacity factor of theoretical wave farms deployed at various locations around the Irish coast is compared to the system-wide capacity factor of wind power generation over the same period. It is shown that wave power off the coast of Ireland experiences a very significant seasonal variation, but with a lower daily variation. This paper presents the results of that analysis and examines certain challenges that will face the Irish power system if a large portfolio of wave power devices is deployed. Issues such as system adequacy and the capacity value of wave power are discussed.