Evaluating wave energy solutions for coastal Food-Energy-Water-Carbon (FEWC) nexus

Freshwater and food shortages, combined with increasing soil salinity, are forecasted as critical challenges of this century. To address these issues and enhance resilience in coastal areas, this study models an ocean wave-powered Food-Energy-Water-Carbon (FEWC) Nexus system and evaluates its feasibility with economic and environmental indices. Freshwater is produced through Reverse Osmosis (RO) seawater desalination directly powered by ocean wave energy, which is then used to reclaim saline soil and irrigate crops. An integrated optimization framework is developed to evaluate the system's impacts on food security, as well as its environmental and economic aspects. Key parameters, such as the size of the Wave Energy Converter (WEC) array and local crop distribution, are optimized within the framework. A case study in Virginia, USA, demonstrates the significant potential of this system. The optimization results and sensitivity analysis highlight that the application of wave-powered desalination and appropriate organization of farming can simultaneously boost local agricultural economic revenue and enhance resilience against climatic challenges.