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Long-term resource assessment and decarbonization potential of wave energy

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  • Wen, Yi
  • Low, Ying Min

Abstract

Ocean wave energy has been gaining attention due to its significant potential to contribute to the electrical power system and reduce carbon emissions. However, limited research exists on the extent to which wave energy can mitigate carbon emissions. This paper focuses on the Exclusive Economic Zone of mainland China as a case study to assess the potential for wave energy to contribute to decarbonization efforts, providing valuable insights to support stakeholders in the growing wave energy industry. To this end, a 62-year wave simulation is performed using the SWAN model to analyze the spatial distribution and temporal variability of wave power, as well as extreme wave power and its long-term trends. We then estimated national electrical production and potential CO2 reduction from wave energy resources at various depth contours based on specific WECs. The results indicate that the northern part of the East China Sea shows an increasing trend in extreme wave power from 1959 to 2020. The total national annual electrical production at the 50 m contour is approximately 160.9 ± 7.6 TWh, which can meet around 1.70 ± 0.08 % of total electricity demand, resulting in an annual reduction of (9.36 ± 0.44) × 107 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Suggested Citation

  • Wen, Yi & Low, Ying Min, 2026. "Long-term resource assessment and decarbonization potential of wave energy," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PE).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pe:s0960148125019512
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124287
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