Assessment of past and future potential of ocean wave power in the Gulf of Guinea

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the historical and future wave power potential in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) with the aim of identifying high-density wave energy locations for potential exploitation. To estimate wave power density (WPD) for three time periods (past: 1979–2005, mid-century: 2026–2050, and end-century: 2081–2100), we utilized significant wave height and mean wave period obtained from eight General Circulation Models. Using an ensemble of these WAVEWATCH III simulated datasets, we calculated WPD and assessed overall and seasonal trends, projecting changes under Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios. Results revealed higher potential WPD in the western GoG, particularly near the coast, with increased values offshore. Spatially, WPD change rates varied widely (−0.021 to 0.039 kW/m per year), suggesting both positive and negative trends, though generally low. Projections indicated a potential increase from 0.5 to 1.0 kW/m by the end of the century. The estimated potential power for harvesting exceeded 14,000 MW, with offshore regions showing better wave converter performance. This study concludes that GoG's wave energy is a promising renewable resource, offering a potential solution to future power needs and contributing to regional greenhouse gas emission mitigation.

KEYWORDS:

• Gulf of Guinea
• wave power
• Renewable energy
• climate change
• RCP scenarios

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The Coordinated Ocean Wave Climate Project phase 2.0 (COWCLIP2.0) wave climate database used in this study is publicly available at https://cowclip.org/data-access/ (Accessed: 20 July 2022).

Author contributions

A.M.D.: conceptualisation; data curation; methodology; validation; visualisation; writing – original draft; writing – review and editing. B.A.K.: methodology; validation; writing – reviewing and editing.

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/19397038.2023.2269204

Additional information

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Notes on contributors

Adeola M. Dahunsi

Adeola Michael Dahunsi is a physical oceanographer with a special interest in coastal hydrodynamics especially its evolution under climate change. His research interest covers the study of both living and non-living resources in the coastal and marine environment. This interest is inspired by the desire to contribute to the data-driven sustainable management of these resources in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) region. Therefore, he continues to work on research increasing data availability in the data-scarce region of the GoG.

Bennet Atsu Kwame Foli

Bennet Atsu Kwame Foli, an accomplished Oceanographer and Earth Observation Analyst, boasts over a decade of professional expertise in Marine and Fisheries Sciences, with a focus on remote sensing and geospatial data analysis. Holding advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. in Marine Science, Bennet excels in ocean wave analysis, modelling, and early warning system development. His dedication to the field is evident in his contribution to international projects and mentorship programs, highlighting his strong publication record and commitment to training and capacity development. During his tenure as an Oceanographer at the University of Ghana, Bennet played a vital role in enhancing coastal vulnerability and ocean state early-warning services. He actively engages stakeholders, showcasing strong communication skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Bennet's expertise was pivotal in securing funding for the GMES & Africa phase-2 project, highlighting his grant proposal writing and project execution abilities. Bennet's technical skills include GIS and satellite data application, MATLAB programming, and the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for environmental monitoring. Beyond his professional pursuits, he finds joy in photography and DIY electronics. Overall, Bennet stands as a dedicated and innovative professional in the field of Oceanography and Earth observation, contributing significantly to environmental research and sustainability.