Wave Energy Resource Assessment off the Coast of China around the Zhoushan Islands

Based on ERA-Interim reanalysis wave field data for the 36 years from 1979 to 2014, the temporal and spatial distributions and development potential of wave energy are studied in detail in the offshore and relatively nearshore waters adjacent to the Zhoushan Islands. The results show that areas of relatively high wave energy are located in the offshore waters to the east and southeast of the Zhoushan Islands. The potential wave energy in relatively nearshore waters (water depths from 10 m to 65 m) is relatively higher and especially in the nearshore waters to the southeast of the city of Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, which are suitable locations for wave energy development. The conclusions provide scientific guidance for wave energy development in the sea areas adjacent to the Zhoushan Islands.