Wave energy potential analysis in the Kenitra-Atlantic coastal area (Morocco): First results

Abstract

Waves generated by winds can transport a large amount of energy across the oceans with little loss. This paper explores the satellite-based data to assess the wave energy potential of Kenitra-Atlantic coastal area (Morocco), with an overall purpose of supporting the plans for developing and using wave energy, and provide guidance about the appropriate applications of wave energy of the Kenitra coastal area. Kenitra is important harbour and industrial city in Morocco. Various indexes, including the temporal distributions of wave parameters and wave energy fluxes, the occurrence of the effective significant wave height and wave energy flux, the variability and frequency of the wave status, were calculated from satellite measured weekly wave data, covering about 3 years (June 2019-November 2022) period. Results indicated that the area is characterized by moderate energy compared to South Africa, the most energetic site in the continent, with average wave significant wave of 1.6 ± 0.7, average wave period of 8.4 ± 2.4 s, average wave energy flux of 11.7 ± 14.0 kW m−1 and with the rate of variability of 28–45%. High energy above the threshold (> 10 kW m−1) for viable electricity production, applying turbines directly powered by waves, occurs only during the northern hemisphere winter (December–March). Hence, for off shore Kenitra, the study recommends other applications for wave energy other than electricity production through wave powered turbines, such as, reverse osmosis membrane-based electricity production technology, desalination, irrigation and water pumping for marine culture, mini-hydro and recreational. Subsequently, future studies may focus on the socio-economic viability of these wave energy applications and on developing other low energy demanding applications.