Offshore wave and wind energy development in the Southern Hemisphere will remain optimal between 20°E and 180°E by 2100

Abstract Wave and offshore-wind energies offer promising alternatives to fossil fuels, yet their combined potential under climate change remains poorly understood. Here we assess how climate change may affect this potential over the coming century, using outputs from fifteen global climate models in...

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Main Authors: Xiaohu Zhao, Guohe Huang, Yongping Li, Chen Lu, Chuyin Tian, Tangnyu Song, Xiong Zhou, Wenchang Tang, Bo Pang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-06-01
Series:Communications Earth & Environment
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02437-4
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author Xiaohu Zhao
Guohe Huang
Yongping Li
Chen Lu
Chuyin Tian
Tangnyu Song
Xiong Zhou
Wenchang Tang
Bo Pang
author_facet Xiaohu Zhao
Guohe Huang
Yongping Li
Chen Lu
Chuyin Tian
Tangnyu Song
Xiong Zhou
Wenchang Tang
Bo Pang
author_sort Xiaohu Zhao
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Wave and offshore-wind energies offer promising alternatives to fossil fuels, yet their combined potential under climate change remains poorly understood. Here we assess how climate change may affect this potential over the coming century, using outputs from fifteen global climate models included in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 and an empirical method to refine model projections. We identify two oceanic bands between 40°S and 60°S with high combined energy potential. Notably, the region between 20°E and 180°E is projected to remain favorable for both energy sources. We also conduct a multi-level analysis to show how improved climate modeling enhances predictions of renewable energy resources. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers seeking to enhance the resilience and sustainability of renewable energy systems.
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issn 2662-4435
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publishDate 2025-06-01
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series Communications Earth & Environment
spelling doaj-art-afd6fddd670443d5a6bfcdaeecaef98f2025-08-20T03:22:57ZengNature PortfolioCommunications Earth & Environment2662-44352025-06-016111210.1038/s43247-025-02437-4Offshore wave and wind energy development in the Southern Hemisphere will remain optimal between 20°E and 180°E by 2100Xiaohu Zhao0Guohe Huang1Yongping Li2Chen Lu3Chuyin Tian4Tangnyu Song5Xiong Zhou6Wenchang Tang7Bo Pang8School of Geoscience and Technology, Zhengzhou UniversityState Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, China-Canada Center for Energy, Environment and Ecology Research, UR-BNU, School of Environment, Beijing Normal UniversityState Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal UniversityThe Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical PhysicsDepartment of Geography & Environmental Management, University of WaterlooSchool of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Stony Brook UniversityState Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal UniversityState Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal UniversityState Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal UniversityAbstract Wave and offshore-wind energies offer promising alternatives to fossil fuels, yet their combined potential under climate change remains poorly understood. Here we assess how climate change may affect this potential over the coming century, using outputs from fifteen global climate models included in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 and an empirical method to refine model projections. We identify two oceanic bands between 40°S and 60°S with high combined energy potential. Notably, the region between 20°E and 180°E is projected to remain favorable for both energy sources. We also conduct a multi-level analysis to show how improved climate modeling enhances predictions of renewable energy resources. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers seeking to enhance the resilience and sustainability of renewable energy systems.https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02437-4
spellingShingle Xiaohu Zhao
Guohe Huang
Yongping Li
Chen Lu
Chuyin Tian
Tangnyu Song
Xiong Zhou
Wenchang Tang
Bo Pang
Offshore wave and wind energy development in the Southern Hemisphere will remain optimal between 20°E and 180°E by 2100
Communications Earth & Environment
title Offshore wave and wind energy development in the Southern Hemisphere will remain optimal between 20°E and 180°E by 2100
title_full Offshore wave and wind energy development in the Southern Hemisphere will remain optimal between 20°E and 180°E by 2100
title_fullStr Offshore wave and wind energy development in the Southern Hemisphere will remain optimal between 20°E and 180°E by 2100
title_full_unstemmed Offshore wave and wind energy development in the Southern Hemisphere will remain optimal between 20°E and 180°E by 2100
title_short Offshore wave and wind energy development in the Southern Hemisphere will remain optimal between 20°E and 180°E by 2100
title_sort offshore wave and wind energy development in the southern hemisphere will remain optimal between 20°e and 180°e by 2100
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02437-4
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