A PROJECT PROPOSAL

ON THE

INVESTIGATION OF MARINE RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS FOR

OFFSHORE POWER GENERATION

BY

ETUKUDO, RICHARD SAMUEL

AK18/ENG/MAE/029

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD

OF BACHELOR IN ENGINEERING (B. ENG) IN MARINE
ENGINEERING

AUGUST, 2023

A PROJECT PROPOSAL

ON THE

INVESTIGATION OF MARINE RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS FOR

OFFSHORE POWER GENERATION
i
 BY

ETUKUDO, RICHARD SAMUEL

AK18/ENG/MAE/029

A RESEARCH PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF

MARINE ENGINEERING, FACULTY OF ENGINEERING, AKWA IBOM
STATE UNIVERSITY, IKOT AKPADEN, MKPAT ENIN LOCAL
GOVERNMENT AREA, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD

OF BACHELOR IN ENGINEERING (B. ENG) IN MARINE
ENGINEERING.

SUPERVISOR: ENGR. DR. EMMANUEL ANTAI

AUGUST, 2023

ii
ABSTRACT
The shift towards sustainable energy sources has become imperative to mitigate the
environmental impacts of fossil fuel consumption and ensure a resilient energy future. One
promising avenue in this transition is the exploration and utilization of marine renewable energy
systems for offshore power generation. This research shall focus on the comprehensive
investigation of these systems, encompassing technical feasibility, environmental impact,
economic viability, and policy implications. The study begins by examining the various marine
renewable energy technologies available, including tidal energy, wave energy, ocean current
energy, and offshore wind energy. Each technology is evaluated based on its engineering
principles, efficiency, scalability, and adaptability to different offshore environments. The
findings provide valuable insights into the potential of these systems to contribute to a
sustainable energy mix. The environmental aspect of marine renewable energy is a critical
consideration. The research shall also assess the ecological impact of offshore energy projects,
analyzing potential effects on marine ecosystems, biodiversity, water quality, and local
communities. Mitigation strategies are proposed to minimize negative consequences and
promote responsible development. Economic analysis is another essential facet of the research,
evaluating the financial feasibility of marine renewable energy projects. Factors such as capital
costs, operational expenses, energy pricing, and revenue streams are considered, providing a
comprehensive understanding of the economic viability and competitiveness of these systems in
the energy market. The study shall also delve into the policy and regulatory landscape governing
marine renewable energy. Existing policies, incentives, and barriers are reviewed to identify key
drivers and impediments for offshore energy deployment. Recommendations for policy
enhancements are made to facilitate the expansion of marine renewable energy projects, creating
a conducive environment for their integration into the energy sector. By addressing these diverse
aspects, this research contributes to the broader understanding of marine renewable energy
systems, shedding light on their potential to revolutionize offshore power generation. The results
offer actionable insights for decision-makers, energy developers, and environmental
stakeholders, guiding the sustainable development of marine renewable energy projects. This
holistic approach paves the way for a cleaner and more resilient energy future, aligned with
global sustainability goals and ensuring a healthier planet for generations to come.

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 CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of study

The world is at a critical juncture, faced with the urgent need to transition from fossil fuels to
sustainable energy sources to combat climate change and ensure a secure energy future (Mamadi,
2022). In this context, the exploration and utilization of marine renewable energy systems for
offshore power generation present a compelling solution that aligns with the goals of reducing
greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy security, and minimizing the ecological impact on
our planet. The global energy landscape is rapidly shifting towards cleaner and more sustainable
alternatives. The exploration and utilization of marine renewable energy systems for offshore
power generation hold immense promise in this transition (Strielkowski, Civín, Tarkhanova,
Tvaronavičienė, & Petrenko, 2021).

Marine renewable energy is a burgeoning field that harnesses the vast energy potential of our
oceans and seas. The inexhaustible power of ocean tides, the rhythmic motion of waves, the
steady flow of ocean currents, and the consistent force of offshore winds offer an abundance of
renewable energy resources that can be harnessed to provide clean, reliable, and sustainable
power. The potential for tapping into marine energy is vast, with the available resource in the
United States alone equating to approximately 57% of the total power generation in 2019. Even
harnessing a small portion of this technical resource could significantly address the nation's
energy needs (Energy efficiency and renewable energy, 2022; NRRL, 2021). These systems hold
the promise of transforming the way we generate electricity, with the potential to substantially
reduce our reliance on finite and environmentally detrimental fossil fuels. As the global
community intensifies efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce carbon
emissions, marine renewable energy emerges as a beacon of hope, providing a means to
significantly curtail our carbon footprint while meeting the growing energy demands of a
burgeoning population (NRRL, 2021). The diverse range of marine energy technologies, each
with its unique advantages and challenges, offers a portfolio of options that can be tailored to
different geographic, climatic, and economic contexts.
The successful integration and widespread adoption of marine renewable energy systems into
energy mix require a comprehensive understanding of their technical feasibility, environmental
implications, economic viability, and the policy frameworks that govern their development (Tze-
Zhang, et al., 2022). This research endeavors to delve into the multifaceted aspects of marine
renewable energy systems, examining their engineering principles, assessing their impact on

4
marine ecosystems, conducting rigorous economic analyses, and critically evaluating the policies
that drive their deployment.

By unraveling the complexities of marine renewable energy, we not only contribute to the
scientific knowledge base but also provide valuable insights that policymakers, energy
developers, and environmental stakeholders can leverage to make informed decisions. The
findings of this research will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of offshore
power generation, moving us closer to a sustainable energy landscape that safeguards our planet
for current and future generations.