Wave energy extraction in Scotland through an improved nearshore wave atlas

Abstract

Wave energy is expected to play an important role in the forthcoming years for the de-carbonisation of Scottish and British electricity production. This study underlines the importance of resource assessment and attempts to improve the quantifiable wave power resource, with use of a validated numerical model. While levels of wave flux are high for an area that may not always constitute the best option for wave energy applications. In this study, a long-term hindcast for the Scottish coastlines run from 2004 to 2014 (11 years) improving the existing wave maps and resource estimations. Spatial and physical considerations of a third generation spectral model allow examination at locations of immediate interest for the ocean energy community. Utilising numerical wave models of finer resolution allows for the detailed coupling of potential wave energy converters (WECs) and site characterization. Such detail energy results allow for improved financial analysis that take into account the severity of local resource and its energy potential.