Abstract
The exploitation of the relatively abundant wave energy resources in the South China Sea is hampered by their inherent instability and uneven spatial distribution, which necessitates more accurate wave modelling and multi-criteria assessments for feasible site selection. This study first evaluates three wind datasets using meteorological data, identifying ERA5 as the most reliable for model forcing. Results from a wave spectral simulation show that maximum annual wave energy in 50-m waters corresponds to significant wave heights of 1∼4 m and periods of 5∼8 s. Multi-year average wave heights exceed 1.5 m, with energy >10 kW/m, except in the Beibu Gulf. The Taiwan Strait and western Guangdong show peak spectral density, with eastern Guangdong having the richest resources (∼130 MW/m). Seasonal distributions remind enhanced summer energy east of Taiwan due to tropical cyclone variability and latitude distinct of energy peaks. Dominate dynamics of wind waves and swells shift along the coast. Evaluated from metrics like optimum hotspot identifier and newly proposed Comprehensive Energy Index, as well as spectral analysis, the eastern Guangdong coast is recognized as the most suitable area for energy development for its abundant effective wave energy storage, high utilization rates, strong stability, and more concentrated wave direction distributions.