Harnessing Bankable Wind-Wave Energy Potentials over Offshore Ondo State, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria’s power sector faces significant challenges due to generation and distribution inefficiencies, as well as its dependence on hydro energy, making it crucial to tap into the country’s renewable energy potential to meet increasing demand. This study evaluated the renewable energy prospects in selected coastal areas of Ondo State, located between latitudes 5.83°N–6.3°N and longitudes 1°E–5.08°E. The research utilized hindcast data of wind and wave parameters, averaged hourly, from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2024, generated using the Wavewatch III (WW3) model. The model’s performance was validated against in-situ buoy measurements. Wind power density was calculated using a two-parameter Weibull distribution function combined with the gamma function. Areas with high wave power density, defined as those with seasonal averages exceeding 6 kW/m and a coefficient of variation (COV) below 2.0, were identified as energy-rich zones. The study also examined and discussed the spatio-temporal variations of wind-wave energy resources, pinpointing locations with abundant clean renewable energy. Results revealed that the highest wave power (>6 kW/m) occurs between longitudes 3.250°E and 3.750°E, making this region most suitable for wave energy exploitation and the development of wave energy converter systems. The maximum wind power density (WPD) values, ranging from 110–120 W/m², were observed in the expansive waters between Seme Kpodji and Ghana, with a mean WPD of 84.83 W/m². These high-energy offshore zones provide a strong foundation for future wind-wave hybrid systems and the sustainable electrification of Nigeria’s coastal regions.