The power of the ocean is undeniable and with 70% of the world covered by oceans it provides an endless supply of energy
Ocean Power technology is still in its infancy generating about 1.2TWh
A huge growth in ocean power is required if we are to meet the IEA Sustainable Development Scenario 2030
Ocean Power needs to increase by 23% annually until 2030 to meet this target
South Korea and France currently have around 90% of the installed ocean power capacity of the world
Although not viable for all locations, coastal cities and towns or countries with vast coastlines can utilise the oceans energy effectively with the
technology we have available now
Indepth Study
An Introduction
Ocean power (or marine power) is power generated from the movement of water in the world's oceans. In general, there are two major types:
Tidal
Tidal power is the form of ocean power that converts the energy obtained from tides into useful forms of power, mainly electricity. Although not yet
widely used, tidal energy has great potential for future electricity generation.
Wave
Wave power is the capture of energy of wind waves to do useful work – for example, electricity generation, water desalination, or pumping water. Like
tidal, it also has great potential to generate clean electricity in the future.
Ocean Power technology is still in its infancy. According to the IEA, between 2000 and 2019, annual ocean power generation increased from 0.5TWh only
to about 1.2TWh.
In order to meet the IEA Sustainable Development Scenario for 2030, ocean power generation will have to sustain an annual growth rate
of at least 23%.
Marine technologies hold great potential, but additional policy support is needed for reasearch, development and deployment, to enable the cost
reductions that come with the commissioning of larger commercial plants.
Global Distribution
According to data from IRENA, about 90% of all installed capacity for ocean power is located in two countries: South Korea and France.
Ocean Energy is completely clean and limitless. It does not produce greenhouse gases or waste products
Reliable and Predictable
In the case of tidal energy specifically, it is very predictable thanks to the tidal charts we use daily
Disadvantages
Location Specific
Because of its source, ocean energy is not a viable power source for everyone. While it is a great solution for nations with easy access to the ocean,
landlocked nations and cities far from the sea would have to consider and invest heavily in storage and transportation.
Impact on Local Ecosystem
Although ocean power generation doesn’t produce harmful emissions, it could still be harmful to local ecosystems. According to the European Commission’s
‘Environmental impacts of noise, vibrations and electromagnetic emissions from marine renewable energy’, ocean power stations could have a negative
impact on the migratory routes of sea life in the area. [5]
Okoro, Faith Eferemo. “ANALISI DELL' IMPIEGO DI FONTI DI ENERGIA RINNOVABILI PER ALIMENTARE GLI IMPIANTI DI PERFORAZIONE PETROLIFERA: VERSO UN FUTURO SOSTENIBILE IN AFRICA = INFUSING RENEWABLE ENERGY TO POWER OIL RIGS (REI): TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE IN AFRICA.” (2018).
Publications Office of the EU: Environmental impacts of noise, vibrations and electromagnetic emissions from marine renewable energy: final study report
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