Technical-economic limitations of floating offshore wind energy generation in small isolated island power systems without energy storage: Case study in the Canary Islands

Coastal areas committed to the development of affordable and clean energy sources can find significant means to achieve their decarbonization objectives in offshore wind technology for power generation. However, the development of this technology in island territories with small-scale isolated electrical systems faces technical constraints that, in turn, translate into economic limitations. The objective of this study is to determine offshore wind energy curtailment and its impact on the LCOE in island territories with small-scale isolated electrical systems. To accomplish this, the data of electrical energy demand and generation of onshore renewable energy and conventional energy over a year have been used, with the Canary Islands (Spain-EU) adopted as a case study. The regional government there has established total decarbonization of its economy by 2040 as the central axis of its energy policy. The results show percentages of offshore wind energy curtailment exceeding 35% and an increase in the LCOE of up to 17%. One of the conclusions highlights the need for governmental action to neutralize this increase in the LCOE. This study sheds light on the technical and economic implications for government energy plans promoting the large-scale deployment of floating offshore wind facilities in island territories. •Developing offshore wind in small isolated systems faces technical challenges.•Developing offshore wind without storing energy can cause energy curtailments.•The results suggest that offshore energy curtailment could exceed 35%.•The impact of renewable curtailment on LCOE increase has been evaluated.