Grid Carbon free fossil power Offshore wind Wave/tidal energy Osmotic energy Energy storage

The POSEIDON vision is based on an integrated systems approach. Issues related to energy demand, production, conversion and transformation, transmission, distribution and storage are all closely intertwined, so they must be tackled from a systems perspective. Changes over time also need to be taken into account. If we apply these technologies creatively, the seas offer an unrivalled opportunity to build a truly sustainable energy system.

System approach

The seas: a source of cheap, reliable, sustainable power

The variability in the supply of electricity delivered by some of the building blocks in POSEIDON dictates an integrated design.

Variable power demand
It is essential to smooth out variability in both supply and demand. If electricity supply exceeds demand in a particular region, it may be necessary to reduce power production from some sources and to store surplus electricity (e.g. in hydropower reservoirs) or transport it to other networks. If demand exceeds supply, this process is reversed.

Carbon storage
Geological storage of carbon dioxide is becoming increasingly feasible. The seas offer huge potential for doing this and again a systems approach can reduce costs. Specific solutions will vary from region to region, depending on the current energy system, energy potential and available technologies as well as the political and institutional setting.