Monthly distribution of wind and wave energy resources in Canary Islands

Abstract

The diversification of clean energy resources is often considered a useful procedure for the efficient planning of strategies. In particular, offshore wind and wave energy exhibit marked spatial-temporal variability. However, given the intrinsic variability and the uncertainty, it is essential to examine the individual and joint occurrences of the energy potential to optimize supply throughout the year. This technological strategy should make it possible to overcome, or alleviate as far as possible, the effects of the alternating nature of energy resources. In this vein, this paper examines temporal variability of wind and wave power over the year on a monthly basis for a given set of offshore reanalysis grid points off the Fuerteventura and Lanzarote islands west coast. Specifically, the energy distribution associated to each process is assessed and subsequently compared to explore the degree of alternation or simultaneity of both resources. It is observed that the combined use of these resources could mean a significant improvement towards energy sustainability of the islands.