Life Cycle Assessment of the Wavestar

This case study will quantify the energy use, the carbon caused by Green House Gases and the sum of the costs for the entire life cycle (Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and a Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA)), using the WaveStar as the wave energy case study device. Life Cycle covers all stages in a product's life from Cradle to grave; the extraction of raw materials from the earth and ends with their ultimate disposal when all materials are returned to the earth. Phases of the life cycle for WaveStar were compiled and the inputs and outputs for the given stage in the life cycle were quantified. Inventory analysis involved data collection and calculation procedures to quantify relevant inputs and outputs of a product system. Results were compared to similar studies for other ocean renewable as well as conventional fossil fuel sources. Results indicated that LCC of wave energy is comparable to offshore wind, but much higher hat onshore wind and other competing fossil fuels.