Abstract
The past few decades have seen considerable interest in exploration and research of ocean wave energy as a potential energy substitute for fossil-based fuel. In this study, a Wavewatch III spectrum wave model was driven to simulate significant wave height spanning for a period of 25 years, from 1991 to 2015 on the west coast of the island of Sumatra. The 25-year-average of wave energy shows some noticeable hot spots in certain areas that have a value of significant wave height up to 2.33 m and a wave energy 67.29 kW/m. These hotspot occurrences have a similar pattern as statistics collected for the seasonal characteristics that are associated with tropical monsoons with the average value of wave energy reaching its peak in an easterly monsoon season up to 98.21 kW/m, and the lowest average value occurring in the westerly monsoon season, lasting from December to February, with a prevalent value of 10 kW/m. Additional statistical parameters of possible wave energy site selections were considered, such as Coefficient of Variance, Monthly Variability Index, Optimum Hotspot Identifier, Wave Development Index, and accessibility to find the ideal location for wave energy converter deployment. These statistics give insight into potential prospective points for ocean-wave energy harvesting. Eight hotspots were finally selected based on the afore-mentioned statistical considerations and were further analyzed through wave energy characterization and obtained energy calculation through Pelamis, Archimedes Wave Swing, and Wave Dragon Wave Energy Converter power matrices. Finally, inter-annual variability and particular extreme events are discussed.