Feasibility of ocean wave energy into electricity using oscillating water column in Puerto Rico

We present the first feasibility analysis of electricity generation using shoreline ocean waves in Puerto Rico. We produced an estimate of the amount of energy available in waves at the north shore of Puerto Rico; using data obtain from the Wave Information Study. Wave energy losses as they approach the shoreline are estimated using attenuation factors of 10, 20 and 30%, resulting in average wave power at shoreline between 11,000 and 14,000 Watts per meter of wave front. The shoreline technology selected to convert this energy into electricity was the Oscillating Water Column. Net Present Value is used to determine under which conditions the generation of electricity is cost effective. Projects with electricity selling price between 14 and 18 ¢/kWh, using a 7% annual indexation on selling price and 8% of return of investment, are economically feasible.