Wave and tidal energy: the potential for extraction of sustainable energy from the ocean

Abstract

The ocean represents an enormous store of renewable energy – far more than could ever be used by the global population. The challenge is: how do we go about extracting this energy in a sustainable and economical way? It is the sun and the moon that give us this energy, in the form of waves, tides and thermal gradients. The amount of energy stored in the ocean, and continually replenished by the sun and moon, is well quantified, and certifiably massive. Despite decades of effort, attempts to extract meaningful quantities of energy from these ocean sources continue to be met with monumental challenges. Given the anticipated growth in energy demand, and continuing concern with the use of fossil fuels, it is now time to push through the barriers. The most widespread and easily tapped sources of ocean energy are surface waves and tidal currents. This presentation will focus on these two sources only.