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Power production assessment of wave energy converters in mainland Portugal

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  • Majidi, Ajab Gul
  • Ramos, Victor
  • Rosa-Santos, Paulo
  • das Neves, Luciana
  • Taveira-Pinto, Francisco

Abstract

This study presents a detailed performance assessment of a wide variety of Wave Energy Converters (WECs) across the coast of mainland Portugal, which presents one of the largest wave energy resources in continental Europe. Furthermore, the analysis is extended to the six concession zones designated by the Portuguese government for the exploitation of offshore renewable energy. For this purpose, a 44-year historical wave data analysis obtained through a high-resolution numerical model is used to estimate key performance parameters of 18 case-study WECs. The results highlight the coastal area in the vicinity of Figueira da Foz (Central Portugal) as a particularly promising location for WEC deployment, validated by the high Annual Energy Production (above 4 GWh), capacity factor, and favorable capture width values. Conversely, the southern locations of the Portuguese shore do not appear to present favorable conditions for the WECs analyzed, largely due to lower wave energy availability and less optimal sea states. Additionally, this study emphasizes the need for research efforts to improve energy capture efficiency to fully utilize wave energy as a key component of the energy mix.

Suggested Citation

  • Majidi, Ajab Gul & Ramos, Victor & Rosa-Santos, Paulo & das Neves, Luciana & Taveira-Pinto, Francisco, 2025. "Power production assessment of wave energy converters in mainland Portugal," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 243(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:243:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125002022
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.122540
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