Abstract
Brazil has one of the largest electricity markets in South America, which needs to add 6000 MW of capacity every year in order to satisfy growing the demand from an increasing and more prosperous population. Apart from biomass, no other renewable energy sources, besides hydroelectricity, play a relevant role in the energy mix. The potential for wind and wave energy is very large. Brazil's Santa Catarina state government is starting a clean energy program in the state, which is expected to bring more than 1 GW of capacity. Assessment of wave energy resources is needed along the coastline. This work studied the potential wave energy along the north-central coasts of Santa Catarina, in Southern Brazil, by analysis of the hindcast data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The annual offshore wave power was found to be equal to 15.25 kW/m, the bulk of which is provided by southeastern waves. The nearshore energetic patterns were studied by means of a numerical coastal propagation model (Mike21 SW). The mean wave power of 20 m isobaths is 11.43 kW/m. Supplementary considerations are drawn on realistic perspectives for wave energy converters installations.
Highlights
Brazil has the largest electricity market in South America
The present study has provided a preliminary assessment of wave energy resources available in the state of Santa Catarina (Brazil)
This Brazilian state revealed the highest economic well-being and where wave power could be a promising alternative to traditional energy supplies
Summary
One of the great advantages for energy potential comes from having several different climate zones. A dry, sunny climate in the central area of the country provides an opportunity for the solar sector to be developed, and windy coasts, especially in the southeast, allow for great wind power potential. The energy market, and notably the electricity market, changed radically during the 1990s, to become a free and open market, which was attractive to private companies. With a very large increase in energy demand, the Brazilian government was forced to attract the private sector in order for the electricity sector to have the investment capital to develop quickly. Even though wave energy remains largely unknown in most of the country as a real energy alternative, this new and renewable energy shows many advantages. Considering that the majority of the population is centralized near the coast, tapping offshore wave power appears to be quite logical
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