Modelling wave energy resources for UK´s southwest coast

In the present study, a wave prediction system based on two state-of-the-art spectral models, WAVEWATCH III™ and SWAN, was implemented in order to evaluate UK´s wave conditions and to assess potential wave energy extraction. The WWIII is used for wave generation and coupled with SWAN, which is used for wave transformation in coastal areas. Wind fields for model input were taken from NCEP´s Reanalysis 2, with time steps of 6 hours. Wave parameters are obtained for sites close to the coast and in particular for two tests sites: the site off Cornwall (Wave Hub test site) and the site off the Pembrokeshire Coast. Validation tests are carried out with buoy data from the British Oceanographic Data Centre so that the model´s performance can be evaluated. The time period considered is April and May, 1977. Regarding the energetic assessment, a case study is considered and an analysis is done for the energy transport per unit of wave front and its theoretical values of wave power. This work is developed in the framework of a European project with intend to provide resource information to the marine renewable energy sector.