Comparative Sustainability Assessment of Offshore Wind, Wind-Solar Hybrid, and Wave Energy

Abstract

This study presents a comparative analysis of incentive mechanisms for offshore wind energy, wave energy, and hybrid renewable systems in Türkiye, focusing on their sustainability implications. The incentive amounts for these three energy types have been calculated in both Turkish Lira (kuruş/kWh) and US Dollars (cents/kWh). The analysis period spans from January 2021 (when the incentive scheme was initiated) to June 2025. Through this timeframe, it conducted a comprehensive comparison among the considered energy sources to determine which offers the most advantageous conditions for investors and sustainable development. The analysis reveals that the cumulative incentive amounts required for these three energy types are calculated at 1044.84, 906.8, and 979.52 cents USD/kWh for offshore wind, wind-solar hybrid, and wave energy systems, respectively. When facility costs are excluded from consideration, offshore wind energy emerges as the most advantageous option. Furthermore, the distribution of incentive allocations among these renewable technologies shows that offshore wind energy accounts for 36% of total support, followed by wave/current energy at 33%, and wind-solar hybrid systems at 31%, demonstrating a balanced yet strategically differentiated approach to renewable energy promotion in Türkiye.