Using decision science and bioprocess engineering for sustainable innovation - a case study of the offshore multi-use setting
File(s)
Author(s)
O'Shea, Ryan
Type
Thesis
Abstract
The Blue and Circular Bio-based Economies are positioned as approaches to tackle 21st century social and environmental challenges. However, the development and management of innovations must satisfy multiple objectives (economics, social and environmental) in the pathway to a sustainable future. The task of ensuring holistic sustainability induces complexity in the decision-making process and is seldom considered in its fullest sense. To address this problem, this thesis uses a case study of the multi-use setting of seaweed aquaculture within wind farms to explore the use of integrative assessment and modelling techniques drawn from decision science and biological engineering to support the management of early-stage, bio-based innovation. More broadly, demonstrating an approach to account for the multidimensional nature of sustainable innovation.
A systematic review of the literature first enabled the assessment of early-stage innovation of co-locating seaweed aquaculture and wind farms, against social to environmental objectives. Following a literature review, a hypothetical case study of developing seaweed aquaculture inside a North Sea wind farm is created. This is then used to explore the potential consequences of such a development using conceptual mapping combined with evidence synthesis and structured expert elicitation. Insights are presented as causal diagrams and impact tables of the case study outcomes within social, economic, and environmental domains. The findings of conceptual mapping demonstrate the broad range of potential risks and benefits to co-locating seaweed aquaculture and a wind farm including biotic and abiotic enhancements and deterioration, economic opportunities and disruption, and benefits and conflict with social communities in the region.
This thesis uses the information captured in the causal diagrams and impact tables to evaluate environmental sustainability trade-off and risks of seaweed production inside a wind farm. Alongside the risk assessment, a techno-economic assessment and strategy is devised for feasible implementation of the concept.
A systematic review of the literature first enabled the assessment of early-stage innovation of co-locating seaweed aquaculture and wind farms, against social to environmental objectives. Following a literature review, a hypothetical case study of developing seaweed aquaculture inside a North Sea wind farm is created. This is then used to explore the potential consequences of such a development using conceptual mapping combined with evidence synthesis and structured expert elicitation. Insights are presented as causal diagrams and impact tables of the case study outcomes within social, economic, and environmental domains. The findings of conceptual mapping demonstrate the broad range of potential risks and benefits to co-locating seaweed aquaculture and a wind farm including biotic and abiotic enhancements and deterioration, economic opportunities and disruption, and benefits and conflict with social communities in the region.
This thesis uses the information captured in the causal diagrams and impact tables to evaluate environmental sustainability trade-off and risks of seaweed production inside a wind farm. Alongside the risk assessment, a techno-economic assessment and strategy is devised for feasible implementation of the concept.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2023-12-08
Date Awarded
2024-04-01
Copyright Statement
Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial Licence
License URL
Advisor
Howe, Caroline
Collins, Alexandra
Sponsor
Economic and Social Research Council (Great Britain)
Publisher Department
Centre for Environmental Policy
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)