Wave and wind energy potential including extreme events: A case study of Mexico

The available wind and wave energy potential of the coasts of Mexico was found to be low in several analyses. However, these analyses considered only average conditions. To adequately assess the energy potential of Mexican coasts for energy extraction, it is necessary to characterize maritime weather and to define both normal and storm thresholds. For the present study, a 60-year historical analysis of wave and wind conditions along the Mexican coasts was performed. A statistical analysis of extreme conditions was carried out using the peaks-over-threshold approach. Also, seasonal (winter, spring, summer and autumn) and hourly available power were included in the analysis. The differences between the energy potentials when including and excluding extreme events are considerable. The energy potential of events occurring along the Mexican coasts confirms that energy can be adequately and profitably obtained from waves and wind. The greatest energy potential in the Atlantic is found to the northeast of the Yucatan Peninsula and in the Pacific along the Baja California Peninsula. Winter is the best season for energy extraction, while summer is the most unfavorable season.