Wave energy on the Belgian Continental Shelf

The inexhaustible wave energy resource is at the basis of the increasing research on wave energy exploitation. Till now the resource is studied in detail for regions with a high wave energy density. As the problems to guarantee the survivability of wave energy converters (WECs) in a severe and energetic wave climate are not solved yet, the possibilities of wave power conversion in a less aggressive wave climate should be investigated. This paper describes the wave climate and correspondent wave power resource in a rather sheltered area i.e., the Belgian Continental Shelf (southern part of the North Sea). The available wave power is studied on six buoy locations. Furthermore characteristic sea states and design conditions are derived for the most suitable locations for wave energy production. The available wave power is compared with other sites in the North Sea. Near shore (< 30 km off the coast) less than 10 kW/m is available.