Hybrid Offshore Wind and Wave Energy Systems: A Case Study of Uruguay

Abstract Uruguay has established itself as a successful example of energy transition in the electricity system, meeting 97% of its electricity demand with renewable sources during typical years. However, the decarbonization of the transport and industry sectors remains a major challenge. To address this, the country has developed an ambitious roadmap for green hydrogen production, taking advantage of its vast offshore wind potential, estimated at approximately 275 GW. In this context, the present study quantitatively assesses the feasibility of two hybrid energy platform configurations integrating offshore wind turbines and wave energy converters (WECs) along the Uruguayan Atlantic coast, using advanced simulation software to calculate the annual energy generated and the respective weighted capacity factor. Configuration 1, consisting of a star-shaped platform with a single turbine and three WECs, had a capacity factor of 44.07%, while configuration 2, consisting of a triangular platform with two turbines and three WECs, had a capacity factor of 35.89%.