Assessment of ocean wave energy resource potential in Thailand

Currently, Thailand's energy consumption is increasing rapidly due to its economic expansion. The main source of energy production is still petroleum, accounting for 54% of all energy produced. Considering only electricity, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is able to generate 44% of the demand, which is increasing every year. Ocean waves are an interesting source of alternative energy because ocean wave energy can produce electricity without the limitation of time. The technology that generates power from ocean wave energy can be placed on the surface of the ocean and can be designed to be environmentally friendly to the marine environment. Additionally, ocean wave energy can be predicted and is widely available. Before using ocean wave energy, an assessment of ocean wave energy resources is necessary. Since ocean wave energy converters are currently expensive and have low efficiency due to technical problems, an assessment of ocean wave energy resources is needed for decision making before the development of a project. In Thailand, ocean wave energy can be produced on both coasts because Thailand has the Gulf of Thailand (GOT) to the east and the Andaman Sea situated to the west. The numerical model used in this study is the Simulated WAves Nearshore (SWAN) model. This model, which is suitable for shallow waters, can be used to determine the characteristics of ocean waves, including ocean wave height. The significant wave height is evaluated to assess the natural potential of ocean wave energy in both the GOT and the Andaman Sea using data spanning a 10-year period from 2005 to 2015. Looking at the results for an overall average wave power for all seasons in the Gulf of Thailand, station P5 is the best station to provide wave power. The nearest mainland shore from this station is the nature recreation area in the Kui Buri district, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Stations P4 and P11 also provide high wave power. The nearest mainland shore from stations P4 and P11 are the Queen Sirikit Park in Samut Songkhram Province and the Muang-Ngam sub-district in Songkhla Province, respectively. As for the results regarding the Andaman Sea, the highest average significant wave height and wave power are found at station P12. The nearest mainland shore from this station is the nature recreation area in the Mueang Ranong District, Ranong Province.