Wave power is a form of renewable energy that can be harnessed from the motion of the waves. There are several methods of harnessing wave energy that involve placing electricity generators on the surface of the ocean.
Many of us are already familiar with the most well-known renewable energy sources, such wind and solar energy. However, did you know that other natural phenomena and resources, like the heat of the Earth and even the motion of waves, can also be used to produce renewable energy?
Depending on the lunar cycles, tides, winds, and weather, waves can vary in size and strength. Ocean waves generate kinetic energy, or movement, as they crash against one another. Turbines, which produce energy that can be transformed into power and electricity, can be powered by this movement. The up-and-down motion of the waves can also be used in a number of other wave energy harvesting techniques to power turbines and pistons.
Wave energy is described as “the energy available from the motion of ocean waves” by the United Nations Environment Programme. Wave power is a renewable energy source that is safe for the environment and can power buildings, companies, and even entire towns.
The potential of wave power plants
There is a chance that wave power plants will produce lots of electricity. According to projections from the US Department of Energy, “wave energy can provide up to 10% of the nation’s electricity if developed.” That’s a lot of potential, and nations all around the world are investing in wave power plants because of their enormous potential — not just the United States.
Offshore wave power plants
Offshore wave power plants typically use floating devices called buoys to generate electricity. Buoys are tethered to the seabed and as waves pass them, they move up and down. Through the use of a mechanical device that is linked to a generator, this motion produces electricity. Underwater cables are used to carry the electrical energy produced by the generator, which transforms the mechanical action into electricity.
Compared to onshore plants, these wave power plant types have a number of advantages. For instance, they might be found far from coastal development and shipping lines, in deep water. This indicates that they have less of an effect on the marine ecosystem. They can also capture the energy of bigger waves, which results in the production of more electricity.
Wave power plants on land
Breakwaters and sea walls are the structures used by onshore wave power plants to produce electricity. In the event of extreme weather events like hurricanes or tsunamis, breakwaters—artificial barriers erected perpendicular to shorelines—protect coastlines from erosion and storm surge damage. As waves hit the breakwater, they cause it to move up and down, which generates electricity via a mechanical device connected to a generator.
When compared to other renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal, waves have the highest energy density. This indicates that waves have the most chance of making a significant contribution to the global “energy mix resilience.”
Wave energy is a sustainable energy source that has the potential to power homes, businesses, and perhaps entire communities worldwide.
At Universal Kraft we are focused on developing renewable energy solutions that may contribute to a decarbonized society. We offer multiple solutions on solar energy, green hydrogen, wind, energy storage and waste-to-energy technologies. Read more news on sustainability and clean energy here.
