Wave Energy Integration for Sustainable Port Development: The Case of Castellammare Del Golfo, Sicily

Wave energy harvesting represents a promising opportunity to supply small islands and coastal areas with sustainable energy. Although numerous concepts have been proposed in recent years, most wave energy technologies still require further development. In this context, the manuscript investigates the feasibility of installing a Wave Energy Converter (WEC) within the existing harbor infrastructure of Castellammare del Golfo, located in Sicily, Italy. This approach aims to harness renewable energy from wave motion to support the energy needs of harbor users. The manuscript also presents the conceptual design of a prototype currently under development to demonstrate the technical viability of this solution.