Wave energy resource assessment along the Algerian coast based on 39-year wave hindcast

Abstract

This study investigates a long-term assessment of the wave energy resource propagated along the Algerian basin, based on a 39-year wave hindcast. The wave energy hindcast dataset was developed using the Simulating WAve Nearshore (SWAN) model, calibrated and validated [1] against wave measurements performed on the Algerian coast. A detailed spatial and local analysis was performed following the hindcast results. We have determined several parameters including; hourly, monthly, seasonal and annual variations of wave energy resources, the probability of occurrence distribution for different wave power ranges with different directions, the probability of calm sea states, the wave energy development index (WEDI) and the total annual wave energy and their distribution as a function of significant wave height and energy period. All these results enabled a very important benchmark for decision making regarding the future implementation and design of wave energy converters (WECs) and other offshore structures in the Algerian basin. Our findings have shown that the Algerian coasts are characterized by a considerable wave energy potential with a large hotspot area in the eastern coasts. Thus, we have recorded a significant variability in the wave energy characteristics available in each zone along the Algerian coast. The western zone was characterized by an average energy of ∼7.5 kW/m with a low monthly and seasonal variation (<1.2), the central zone was characterized by a significant total annual wave energy of 63 MWh/m/year and a considerable WEDI of 0.019, and the eastern Algerian coast was characterized by one of the highest energy potential in the Mediterranean basin with a total annual energy exceeding 100 MWh/m for less than 15 km from the coast and a calm sea state probability lower than 18%. Thus, it has been concluded that since 1995, wave energy resources have tended to increase further.