High-resolution mapping of wave energy resources in the Mediterranean Sea using satellite altimetry

In this study, the wave energy resource in the Mediterranean Sea was characterized using high-resolution satellite altimetry data from the Sentinel-3 A/B and CryoSat-2 missions. The wave period was estimated using an empirical methodology based on a linear regression between satellite data and in-situ buoy measurements. The wave height data obtained directly from the satellites and the estimated period data were validated against in-situ wave buoy observations. The analysis of the multi-year mean power density showed that the highest values are found between the Balearic Islands and Sardinia, with average reaching up to 14 kW/m. At a seasonal scale, a marked variability was observed, with winter maximums reaching between 15 and 25 kW/m and summer minimums between 1 and 5 kW/m. Finally, we present an analysis of the energy potential at different coastal locations. The results show that along the northern coastline, the energy is mainly concentrated in waves with periods between 5 and 7.5 s and heights between 2 and 4 m, whereas in the southern area it is concentrated in periods between 7 and 9.5 s and heights from 3 to 5 m, indicating locations with greater energy potential. • High-resolution satellite altimetry used to assess wave energy in the Mediterranean Sea. • Wave period estimated from satellite data using an empirical buoy-calibrated approach. • Maximum wave power occurs between the Balearic Islands and Sardinia, up to 25 kW/m in winter. • Wave energy potential is higher along the southern Mediterranean coast than the northern coast.