Analysis of potential wave energy converters around the Maltese archipelago

Abstract

The main scope of this research is to provide a technical basis on the wave energy potential around the Maltese islands. The results from the literature review, given that limited reports and studies have been commissioned, show that there is sufficient data to base an analysis of the wave resource prospective. From this data, potential candidate sites were assessed and discussed versus the current available technology. The energy yields that these designated areas offer were calculated given current conversion efficiencies and capacity factors of commercial available wave energy converters. This helped to reach the objectives of the study and figures of potential generated electrical energy in MWh per year are calculated. The results provide room for discussion and can be challenged in the near future given the fast pace of technological improvement in the wave energy industry.