Anual Wave Power Estimate Potential in Terawatts Per Hour Per Coastal Region

The Mapping and Assessment of the U.S. Ocean Wave Energy Resource, published last year, calculated the total available wave energy resources along the outer continental shelf (200 m depth contour). The results are shown on this map. Alaska has the most wave energy potential by itself with over 1,500 TWh/yr, followed by the whole West Coast which in total has the potential to produce 590 TWh/yr between the states of Washington, Oregon and California.

Scientists are aware that waves will always be best on the West Coast because they are created by winds that blow from west to east.