Site suitability studies

Such assessments may be required at different stages in the development of a wave and tidal project: an initial assessment to confirm a site’s feasibility; a more detailed assessment as part of the procurement process; and a detailed review of the ability of the wave and tidal technology to operate effectively under the defined site conditions, as part of financial due diligence. GL Garrad Hassan has all the multi-disciplinary expertise and experience required to perform site suitability assessments, at any stage of a wave and tidal project.

GL Garrad Hassan will assess the climatic conditions, other environmental factors and the ground conditions at a site, in order to assess the suitability of the devices chosen. The data may also be used for a detailed load calculation or an estimate of device lifetime. A comprehensive assessment of a site will also include a review of the electrical conditions at the interface between the wave and tidal project and the local grid.

A site suitability assessment will typically include the following four services:

• Assessment of climatic conditions
• Pre-assessment of load assumptions: All climatic conditions are assessed with respect to their influence on the site suitability of the wave and tidal devices.
• Load calculation
• Lifetime estimate: If required, GL Garrad Hassan can estimate the expected lifetime of relevant device components, on the basis of the fatigue loads calculated for the relevant site conditions.