Exploring Renewable Energy on the Coastline of Türkiye: Wind and Wave Power Potential

Buyruk, T.; Balas, E.A.; Genç Numanoğlu, A., and Balas, L., 2024. Exploring renewable energy on the coastline of Türkiye: Wind and wave power potential. In: Phillips, M.R.; Al-Naemi, S., and Duarte, C.M. (eds.), Coastlines under Global Change: Proceedings from the International Coastal Symposium (ICS) 2024 (Doha, Qatar). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 113, pp. 788-792. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. This research thoroughly evaluates Türkiye's wind and wave energy potential along its expansive coastline, utilizing diverse datasets. The study draws upon 52 years of wind measurement data from meteorological stations between 1970 and 2021, sourced from the Turkish State Meteorological Service and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ERA5 archive. The wind energy potential is further assessed using ECMWF ERA5 hourly wave forecasting data. A Three-dimensional Hydrodynamic Transport Model (HYDROTAM-3D) is applied to estimate wave energy potential, enabling a comprehensive analysis of wind and wave energy potential across Türkiye's coastal water bodies. The model incorporates ECMWF ERA5 wind data and wave forecasting data, covering a geographical range between 22° to 42° east longitudes and 33° to 45° north latitudes, with a spatial resolution of 0.25° × 0.25° and hourly time intervals. This extensive dataset encompasses 180 locations distributed among the Black, Marmara, Aegean, and Mediterranean Seas. The analysis involves ECMWF ERA5 predictions and wind measurement data from 67 meteorological stations strategically positioned along the coastline. The findings of the comparison studies underscore substantial onshore and offshore wind energy resources in locations such as Bozcaada, Gökçeada, and Çeşme. These areas exhibit an average annual wind energy potential exceeding 5000 kWh per square meter, locally peaking at an impressive 6800 kWh. Furthermore, the research pinpoints the Western Black Sea region as a hotspot for wave energy potential, surpassing other coastal areas. This region's average annual wave energy potential exceeds 20000 kWh, reaching local highs of up to 30000 kWh. This comprehensive assessment provides crucial insights into the strategic development and utilization of renewable energy resources in Türkiye's coastal regions, offering valuable data for policymakers, energy planners, and investors looking to harness the considerable wind and wave energy potential along the nation's shores.