Wind and wave energy resource of Germany reported by ERA-Interim reanalysis data

Abstract

The aim of this work is to identify the most suitable offshore wind farms from Germany that present relevant wave conditions, suitable for the development of a wave energy project. By using the ERA-Interim data (wind and waves) reported for the time interval from 1999 and 2018, was possible to identify the more important areas, by taking also into account the seasonal distributions. Several wave energy converters were considered for assessment, for which a capacity factor located between 2.5% and 14% was reported, better results being accounted by the Seabased system (rated at 15 kW). Finally, we canconcluded that the North Sea represent an important area in terms of the marine energy and since at this moment there are operational wave projects, this will represent a suitable area for the development of a mixed wind-wave project.