A lack of field data, visible dominant wave activity in the northern division of Fiji
Islands particularly off the southern coast of Taveuni, and increasing cost of
nonrenewable energy sources coupled with associated harmful effects to the
environment have led to initial wave energy resource assessment. The present work
involved twelve months of on-site wave measurements commencing July 2012.
The measured data were compared with a 30 yr hindcast WW3 model data from a
joint project between the Bureau of Metrology, Australia (BoM) and The Pacific
Australia Climate Change Science and Adaption Planning. The model was used to
relate to the site characteristic in terms of significant wave-height and period in
representation of Fiji’s overall wave climate and at the same time validating the
model with site measurements. The swell and wind wave components together
with its prevailing direction was studied in detail. The calculated average power
output was 12 kW/m for an average wave-height of 1 m while a peak wave-height
of 3.75 m yielded power output of 24 kW/m. Comparison of the wave climate was
also made with in situ wave assessment that was performed off the southern coast
of Kadavu in 1994. In addition, two offshore wave energy converters’ performance
data (power matrix) were used to estimate the expected power generation based on
the average sea states to briefly examine the site’s potential with current
technology. The summer and winter variation in wave power was calculated and
wave power statistics such as percentile occurrence were also discussed. The
results of the present study provide sufficient evidence of the potential of wave
energy on site for future feasibility studies and subsequent power extraction.