Sustainable Marine Energy Solutions: Assessing the Renewable Potential of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia

Marine energy technologies offer renewable alternatives to conventional energy sources by harnessing ocean-based resources such as wave motion, tides, temperature, and salinity gradients. They are particularly promising for coastal and island regions. This paper presents a literature-based assessment of the technical potential and limitations of these resources, with a focus on the Adriatic Sea as a model for low-energy, semi-enclosed basins. Resource availability and technological maturity are systematically reviewed. Results indicate that wave energy offers the highest regional potential, with peak annual mean wave power reachig up to 2.784 kW/m near the southern offshore regions of the Adriatic. However, current resource levels limit feasibility to down-scaled, modular installations. Tidal and thermal energy are constrained by the Adriatic’s microtidal regime and limited temperature gradients. Although still in early development, salinity gradient systems may become viable near major river mouths such as those of the Po and Neretva. In addition to technical analysis, broad environmental and socio-economic considerations are reviewed to inform responsible marine energy development. These findings help define strategic development and research priorities for marine renewables in enclosed seas and other resource-constrained marine environments.