What is Wave Energy?
Wave energy, ocean energy, or wave power is the energy generated by ocean surface waves. Waves hold a huge amount of untapped energy which can be used to power our world’s electricity. Like solar and wind, it is one of the best forms of sustainable power. It is considered in its early stages and with further development, it can become a valuable investment for our world’s future
How does ocean energy works?
Wave power plants use the ocean’s movement to generate electricity. Energy is harnessed by bending or focusing waves into a narrow channel. Most people use a barrage or a dam to do this process. Inside the dam, the waves then increase in size and power. This allows them to spin the turbines that generate electricity. Once electricity is generated, it can then be linked to an electric grid for use or storage.
Other methods of harvesting wave power include the use of float systems and buoys which rely on rising and fall of swells to start hydraulic pumps. A similar method is the use of water column devices which are equipped with vertical pistons that use gravity to generate energy.
Basically, the stronger the waves, the more power they can produce. However, building a wave power farm is not as easy as it sounds. It’s hard to both work with water and electricity, which is why there are only a few wave plants currently in the world.
It’s predictable
Wave patterns are very predictable and consistent unlike wind or solar. Waves are ever-present from morning till night. They also behave in the same way when they interact with materials. This makes them suitable to provide steady power when used with solar and wind power.
Renewable Energy
Wave power is an endless source of energy. Until we have oceans and seas on our planet, wave power can be continually harvested. If improved and perfected, wave energy can be an efficient and reliable energy source.
It’s Clean Energy
Ocean energy is a clean and green energy resource, just like wind and solar. The generation of power doesn’t emit any harmful gases to our atmosphere. It can play a big role in a future without fossil fuels.
More Green Jobs
An improved wave power sector has the potential to create lots of green jobs for people. It can also help remote locations grow economically.
Webmaster: Surachet na Suwan M.5/8-24
