KAUST researchers have used advanced numerical models to identify potential offshore wind and wave energy harvesting sites in the Red Sea, simulating climate and wave conditions from 1997 to 2014. The findings show significant variability in energy potential across the region, emphasizing the need for careful analysis before making infrastructure investments.

Ibrahim Hoteit, KAUST Associate Professor of Earth Science and Engineering, explained, “Accurate wind and wave datasets are required for reliable assessment of energy potentials. Numerical model outputs optimized with available observations in the region are the main source of information in regions such as the Red Sea where long-term in situ observations are not available.”

The study pinpointed three areas with high energy potential, though further studies are necessary to refine site selection and address uncertainties in wind and wave predictions.

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