The development of renewable energy resources is an essential part of the transition to a low carbon energy future. Whether the energy comes from sunlight, wind, rain, tides or waves, there is an inevitable need to balance the benefits of power generation with potential negative impacts on the environment.
As with conventional energy technologies, decisions need to be taken based on sound evidence and structured systematically, taking into account the views of stakeholders. Quintessa’s decision support services specialise in helping organisations resolve complex energy / environment issues through:
- structured systems thinking and analysis from data to decisions;
- options appraisal and optimisation to compare advantages and disadvantages in terms of technical performance and environmental impact; and
- methodologies and tools for optimal portfolio selection.
In addition, Quintessa can provide research and assessment support to the development of renewable energy technologies, in particular mathematical and statistical modelling of renewable energy devices in support of their design, optimisation and reliability. Quintessa also has experience in modelling subsurface geothermal energy systems and the coupled thermo-hydraulic-mechanical-chemical processes that act within those systems, as well as in risk assessment of the integrity of energy stores.
A recent example, is the development and application of a mathematical model for potential power production from an innovative prototype wave energy converter.