Evaluating tidal and offshore wind as a sustainable solution for remote off-grid communities

Locating renewable energy systems in remote areas with extreme conditions is challenging due to weather variability and past deployment failures. This study assesses tidal and offshore wind resources for application in off-grid communities, focusing on data accuracy and site viability. Tidal energy, being highly predictable, is analysed using ADCP measurements and the FES2014c model at sites in the North Atlantic, including the FoW (Orkney, Scotland) and the Nares Strait (Canadian Archipelago), to understand any limitations with the use of FES2014c in the area evaluated. Strong correlations (R2 = 83%–89%) were found, although bathymetry-related errors were noted in shallow areas. FES2014c was then used to evaluate Nunavut locations where tidal or offshore wind energy could be used to reach net-zero targets. In Nunavut, Canada, correlations between the MERACAN Atlas and the FES model varied widely (R2 = 19%–95%), with skill scores between 39%–94%. The FES model showed deviations from 1.12 ms-1 to 0.03 ms-1, while tidal amplitude remained reliable, aiding site identification. A site in Naujaat was identified as a suitable location for the deployment of both tidal and offshore wind energy, with estimated capacity factors of 38% for tidal and 28% for wind. The combined annual energy production is approximately 1791.8 MWh. However, for offshore wind development only, no suitable locations were found where bathymetric conditions matched with capacity factors. In contrast, tidal stream analysis identified at least four viable turbine sites, each with a capacity factor exceeding 20%.