A Synergistic Assessment of Global Wind and Wave Energy Resources Using Satellite Altimetry

The combined exploitation of marine wind and wave energy contributes to addressing pressing energy challenges. Satellite altimetry enables global synergistic assessment of these resources. Here, we utilize the longest altimeter observations available (Jason series, 1993–2024) to assess the spatiotemporal distribution, correlation, variability, and synergy of global wind and wave energy. Altimeter-derived wind speed and significant wave height were validated against buoy data, showing high consistency. Results indicate that wind and wave energy share similar spatiotemporal distributions. The Southern Ocean exhibits the most powerful and persistent resources, with moderate variability and correlation. Other energetic regions, including the Arabian Sea, North Atlantic, and North Pacific, show higher correlation and variability. Maximum covariance analysis (MCA) identified a leading mode of wind–wave co-variability, with a positive correlation between the expansion coefficients (r = 0.72). The result indicates a positive temporal association within the leading mode. The spatial patterns of the leading mode qualitatively resemble features associated with large-scale climate variability, including ENSO-related patterns. However, these similarities do not establish a direct statistical relationship with ENSO or demonstrate a causal climate influence. This study establishes satellite altimetry as a foundational tool for synergistic assessment of global wind and wave energy potential, providing a scientific basis for combined exploitation of marine energy resources.