Wave power in the Mediterranean Sea   T. Soukissian, A. Lutard and N.E. Koutri   2024/07/20

Abstract

In this work, the analysis of the wave energy flux and the identification of potential sites for future development of wave energy converters in the Mediterranean Sea, is presented. The most recent reanalysis wave dataset (MEDSEA_MULTIYEAR_WAV_006_012), from the platform of Copernicus Marine Service was used, featuring high spatial and temporal resolution (~3.5 km and 1 h, respectively). The study considered a time series of wave spectral parameters (significant wave height and mean energy period) of 27 – years (1993 – 2020) length, in order to estimate the trends and the variability of the wave energy flux in the Mediterranean basin. The highest values of wave energy flux encountered in the area extending between the Gulf of Lyon and southwest Sardinia Isl. through the Balearic Sea, south to the areas near the Algerian coasts. A significant increasing trend was observed for the extreme values of wave energy flux, i.e., the 95th and the 99th percentiles. The results from the wave energy analysis combined with the corresponded relative water depths, revealed 3 areas with great wave potential for a potential future development of wave energy converters: the offshore areas near the coasts of Menorca Isl., Alghero and Annaba, respectively. Winter was the most energetic season for all areas, while Alghero was the area with the highest mean annual values of wave energy flux.

Authors and affiliations

T. Soukissian(1), A. Lutard(2) and N.E. Koutri(3)

1 Hellenic Centre of Marine Research – Institute of Oceanography. Athens - Vouliagmenis Ave. 576, 164 52 Argyroupoli (Greece)

2 University of Toulon

Key Words

Significant wave height, mean energy period, wave energy, Mediterranean Sea, long – term trend.

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