A Numerical Evaluation of the Energy Potential of Waves Along Morocco’s Atlantic and Mediterranean Coast

The global rise in energy consumption necessitates evaluating alternative energy sources, including marine energy. Modeling the transient nature of oceans remains a persistent challenge in harnessing marine energy. Using digital tools, we simulated various wave sizes to gain insights into wave behavior. Our study focuses on analyzing wave energy along Morocco's Atlantic coast. Using the ECMWF ERA dataset, we compared wave properties in five cities from 2005 to 2010: Tangier, Dakhla, Casablanca, El Jadida, and Essaouira. Results revealed significant wave power potential, particularly in Casablanca, El Jadida, and Essaouira. These Atlantic sites showed an average maximum power of up to 40 kW/m, with Essaouira having an annual average power of 13 kW/m. In summary, marine energy offers promising opportunities to meet global energy needs. Our study highlights the potential for wave power plants along Morocco's Atlantic coast, with specific locations showing strong wave power potential.