Wave Power Potential of Sri Lanka

Abstract

The paper assesses wave power potential around Sri Lanka, using a numerically simulated, 25 year long wave dataset. The results reveal that the southwest to southeast coasts of Sri Lanka have 12-15 kW/m of annual average wave power, which is suitable for offshore, large-scale wave energy harvesting. Further studies with high resolution computational modelling supported by in-situ wave measurements may be necessary to evaluate the nearshore wave resource, which will be appropriate for small scale, localised energy capture. As the coastline of Sri Lanka is prone to coastal erosion and has diverse and dynamic eco-sedimentary systems, thorough environmental evaluations to investigate the impacts of wave energy uptake will be essential before embarking on any wave energy project.