Modelling of a Wave Energy Converter Impact on Coastal Erosion, a Case Study for Palm Beach-Azur, Algeria

Abstract

Facing the exhaustion of fossil energy and in the context of sustainable development, strong incentives are pushing for the development of renewable energies. Nuclear energy and fossil fuels like petroleum, coal, and natural gas provide most of the energy produced today. As a result, greenhouse gases are released and climate change becomes irreversible. Furthermore, radioactive waste disposal causes severe radiation pollution in nuclear power. Alternatives such as marine energy are more sustainable and predictable. It has none of the detrimental effects of fossil and nuclear energies and is significant in terms of environmental sustainability by defending the coastline from erosion. Here, we study the Palm Beach-Azur region near Algiers on the Mediterranean Sea. The study aims to use wave energy converters (WEC) to generate clean energy and reduce coastline erosion. The results of this study show that in the presence of wave energy converters, the wave height decreased by 0.3 m, and sediment deposition increased by 0.8 m. Thus, sand deposit prediction demonstrates that the presence of WEC decreases marine erosion and contributes to an accumulation of sediments on the coast. Moreover, this confirms that WECs can serve a dual role of extracting marine energy by converting it into electrical energy and as a defence against marine erosion. Therefore, WECs justify their efficiency both in energy production and economic and environmental profitability due to coastal protection.