European wave energy and studies for Italy’s potential

After a brief review of progress in European wave power research and development, the authors discuss recent studies on the wave power potential of the Italian coasts. Analysis of the wave climate records from the national wave gauges network (RON) and from the wave gauges of ENEL have led to the creation of a wave energy potential map for the Italian coasts. The map provides an initial estimate of the energy available for power generation, and can be used to contribute to cost-benefit analyses.