Wave Energy Resource Characterization and Site Selection for Its Exploitation in the Ría de Pontevedra

Achieving the highest efficiency in the production of wave energy is based on two fundamental pillars. On the one hand, the selection of the best wave energy converter (WEC). On the other hand, the study of the area in which the device is going to be located, with the aim of obtaining the location that optimizes the production of the WEC. In this work, a novel methodology is developed. First, a high-resolution characterization of the wave conditions in deep water and its propagation towards the study area was carried out, using a high-resolution numerical model. Then, in order to obtain the best location, a compilation of the conditioning factors was carried out through the implementation of a geographic information system (GIS), with the purpose of analyzing this location under an ICZM (Integrated Coastal Zone Management). Subsequently, the energy maps were generated, and the analysis of the conditioning factors was carried out using a multicriteria analysis, in order to obtain the best locations for the placement of the WEC device. As a result of the analysis, the best areas susceptible to be used for wave energy exploitation in the Ría de Pontevedra were identified.