Work

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

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: 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, reaching up to 14 kW/m. On a seasonal scale, high variability was observed, with maximum values in the basin ranging from 15 to 25 kW/m in winter and minimum values between 1 and 5 kW/m in summer. 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.

Source: Energy Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.egyr.2026.109133

Authors: Andrés F. Orejarena-Rondón, Maria Panfilova, Sonia Ponce de León, Marco Restano, Roberto Sabia, Jérôme Benveniste