High-resolution mapping of wave energy resources in the Mediterranean Sea using satellite altimetry

Le résumé fourni par la source

In this study, the wave energy resource in the Mediterranean Sea was characterized using high-resolution satellite altimetry data from the Sentinel-3 A/B and CryoSat-2 missions. The wave period was estimated using an empirical methodology based on a linear regression between satellite data and in-situ buoy measurements. The wave height data obtained directly from the satellites and the estimated period data were validated against in-situ wave buoy observations. The analysis of the multi-year mean power density showed that the highest values are found between the Balearic Islands and Sardinia, with average reaching up to 14 kW/m. At a seasonal scale, a marked variability was observed, with winter maximums reaching between 15 and 25 kW/m and summer minimums between 1 and 5 kW/m. Finally, we present an analysis of the energy potential at different coastal locations. The results show that along the northern coastline, the energy is mainly concentrated in waves with periods between 5 and 7.5 s and heights between 2 and 4 m, whereas in the southern area it is concentrated in periods between 7 and 9.5 s and heights from 3 to 5 m, indicating locations with greater energy potential. • High-resolution satellite altimetry used to assess wave energy in the Mediterranean Sea. • Wave period estimated from satellite data using an empirical buoy-calibrated approach. • Maximum wave power occurs between the Balearic Islands and Sardinia, up to 25 kW/m in winter. • Wave energy potential is higher along the southern Mediterranean coast than the northern coast.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.