Offshore Wind Resource Assessment Along the Mauritanian Atlantic Coast Using ERA5 Reanalysis

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This study evaluates the offshore wind resource along the Mauritanian Atlantic coast, focusing on ten offshore zones and hub heights up to 100 m. The primary objective is to characterize the spatial variability of the wind resource and provide a preliminary assessment of offshore energy potential. Wind speed data derived from ERA5 were analyzed using Weibull distribution parameters, wind power density, and turbine-based energy production estimates. To support the preliminary identification of suitable offshore wind sites, the study also considers bathymetric conditions, marine spatial constraints, preliminary geotechnical aspects, and uncertainty analysis. The results reveal a systematic increase in wind speed with height and a pronounced north–south gradient along the coast. Zone 1 (Nouadhibou) exhibits an annual mean wind power density of 740.84 W/m2, with a monthly maximum of 1237.27 W/m2 observed in June, confirming the exceptional wind conditions in the northern offshore zones. The bathymetric analysis indicates that the northern and central sectors are generally more suitable for fixed-bottom foundations, whereas deeper offshore areas may require floating wind technologies. Although these findings provide a robust preliminary assessment of the offshore wind potential, further geophysical and geotechnical investigations, together with environmental and techno-economic assessments, are required before confirming the suitability of the identified sites. Overall, this work provides a first technical framework for the preliminary identification and comparison of promising offshore wind zones along the Mauritanian Atlantic coast.