Evaluation of Wind and Wave Estimates from CMEMS Reanalysis for Brazil’s Offshore Energy Resource Assessment

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate wind speed and significant wave height data from the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS) reanalysis using buoy measurements for offshore energy application off the east coast of Brazil. Such analysis has become important, since reanalysis datasets can be fundamental tools in identifying regions with wind energy potential that are suitable for the installation of offshore farms. Two sets of reanalysis were used: wind speed (with spatial resolution of 0.25° and temporal resolution of 6 h) and significant wave height (with spatial resolution of 0.2° and temporal resolution of 3 h). For validation, seven MetOcean buoys were selected. In the statistical validation, Pearson’s correlation, coefficient of determination (R2), slope of the straight line, root mean square error (RMSE), mean square error (MSE), probability density function (PDF), mean and standard deviation were calculated. In the evaluation of offshore wind energy resources, the calculation of energy density was performed. The results showed correlations above 0.70 for wind speed and above 0.91 for significant wave height, and additionally, the RMSE values showed maximums of 2.31 m/s for wind speed and 0.28 cm for significant wave height. In the PDF comparison of buoy data and reanalysis, similarities were observed, mainly in the PDF parameters. The energy density presented values consistent with other studies (352–461 W/m²). The results show that the reanalysis data can be applicable in studies focusing on offshore wind potential.