Modelling South African Agulhas marine Current Profile data for electricity generation

In recent years there has been renewed interest in the renewable power generation from ocean energy worldwide as well as in South Africa. South Africa´s energy market is overwhelmingly fossil fuel based. Currently, the country has been experiencing shortages. This paper deals specifically with the assessment of the deep sea marine current energy contained in the Agulhas current located off South Africa´s east coast. Three models are presented using current profiling data collected over five years at specific locations between 31.15-33.15°S to a depth of 90m. Electricity generation in the marine currents share similarities with wind and tidal energy and has many remarkable benefits but also unique challenges. Investigations conservatively suggest that economically viable power generation may be feasible in the foreseeable future given the optimal selection of location and technology.