Assessing wave energy for possible WEC installations at La Serena, central Chile

Wave power is affected by long-term fluctuations induced by natural variability. However, long-term variability has not yet been integrated into the wave energy quantification and the design of wave energy converters. The present study aims to develop a comprehensive assessment of wave energy harvesting based on different time scales in La Serena, an energetic region of the Chilean Pacific. For this purpose, the ERA5 hindcast wave dataset was validated with Global Wave altimetry data. The wave data for the bay of La Serena were reconstructed through a hybrid method, based on a sea-state selection algorithm a wave numerical propagation model (SWAN), and radial basis function interpolation. This methodology considers the entire climate casuistic, which allows identifying and analysing potential sites for wave energy converters deployment. The selected hotspots of interest are assessed by comparing energy accessibility, temporal variability, and different indices through a quantitative evaluation. The mean annual wave power availability at La Serena Bay reaches similar to 24 kW/m with a low-moderate seasonal variability, between +2 kW/m and -5 kW/m, with a coefficient of variation of 0.61. The selected site of highest accessibility is located in the shallow southern location, with a mean annual wave power of similar to 25 kW/m and a coefficient of variation of 0.84. The local wave climate responds to El Ni(SIC)o-Southern Oscillation. During La Nin(SIC)a, the annual wave power in the region increases, with winter waves reaching up to 34 kW/m.