Wave Energy Resource along the Coast of Santa Catarina (Brazil)

Pasquale Contestabile, Vincenzo Ferrante and Diego Vicinanza
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Pasquale Contestabile: Department of Civil Engineering, Design, Building and Environment, Second University of Naples, Via Roma 29, Aversa 81031, Caserta, Italy
Vincenzo Ferrante: Department of Civil Engineering, Design, Building and Environment, Second University of Naples, Via Roma 29, Aversa 81031, Caserta, Italy
Diego Vicinanza: Department of Civil Engineering, Design, Building and Environment, Second University of Naples, Via Roma 29, Aversa 81031, Caserta, Italy

Energies, 2015, vol. 8, issue 12, 1-25

Abstract: Brazil has one of the largest electricity markets in South America, which needs to add 6000 MW of capacity every year in order to satisfy growing the demand from an increasing and more prosperous population. Apart from biomass, no other renewable energy sources, besides hydroelectricity, play a relevant role in the energy mix. The potential for wind and wave energy is very large. Brazil's Santa Catarina state government is starting a clean energy program in the state, which is expected to bring more than 1 GW of capacity. Assessment of wave energy resources is needed along the coastline. This work studied the potential wave energy along the north-central coasts of Santa Catarina, in Southern Brazil, by analysis of the hindcast data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The annual offshore wave power was found to be equal to 15.25 kW/m, the bulk of which is provided by southeastern waves. The nearshore energetic patterns were studied by means of a numerical coastal propagation model (Mike21 SW). The mean wave power of 20 m isobaths is 11.43 kW/m. Supplementary considerations are drawn on realistic perspectives for wave energy converters installations.

Keywords: wave energy; seasonal variability; numerical model; Santa Catarina; Brazil (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (27)

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