The Advanced Technology of Satellite Radar Altimetry for Wave Energy Resource Assessment in Terengganu, Malaysia

The paper presents the assessment of wave energy resources along the coast of Terengganu using advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) altimetry. The SAR altimetry data are expected to give a better accuracy when making observations near shore, compared to the previous low-resolution mode of altimeters (e.g. Jason series). The assessment is conducted along track 189 of the Sentinel 3A SAR altimeter from April 2017 to March 2018. The parameters of wave height, wind speed, wave period and energy power that are retrieved from the satellite are found well-agreed to the field observation data. The Terengganu coast is characterised by small wave with height of 0.5–2 m, and low wave period of 2–4 s. During the northeast monsoon, a high wave energy can be harvested (2–6 kW/m), meanwhile, during the other period, wave power is estimated to be low (< 2 kW/m). In conclusion, the Terengganu coast has a low wave climate. It is essential to have an effective and dependable technology that can maximise energy harvesting.