Riding the Wave of Sustainable Energy Into the Future
Photo Credit: Dionne Hartnett
Surfers have used the power of waves as sources of momentum, enjoyment and relaxation for hundreds of years. In a move to tap into this natural source of energy, there has been serious research in developing technologies that can harness the power of the ocean’s waves and tides for the production of electricity. In fact, a number of test projects are currently underway across the world.
The world’s oceans and rivers cover almost 71% of the earth’s surface. Given the tremendous amount of moving water on the planet, companies are working to efficiently harness this kinetic energy as a source of power. One company in particular, Edinburgh-based Pelamis Wave Power (PWP), Ltd., is currently in the testing stages of “wave capture” technology. Utilizing three red cylindrical devices bobbing in the waves off the coast of Portugal, PWP is hoping to generate around 2.25 megawatts of energy. So how does it work? As the tubes’ sections rise up and down with each passing wave, this energy is collected through a system of hydraulic rams that turn electrical generators to create electricity. Essentially the kinetic energy of the waves and tides is harnessed and then transformed into electricity.
While some critics of renewable energy highlight the various highs and lows in productivity typically associated with wind, water or solar; Pelamis Wave Power CEO Phil Metcalf feels that wave energy is much more reliable. “We consider wave energy to be more predictable than wind. You look at the ocean 1,000 miles [1,600 kilometers] out, you’ll get a good idea of what to expect over the next 24 to 48 hours. We think it’s actually going to be easier to dispatch to the grid.”
This exciting development in renewable power could have the potential to shift modern society away from non-renewable energy sources such coal, oil or natural gas. While still in the early stages of testing and development, it will be interesting to see if this source of sustainable power will quickly become the wave of the future.
To learn more about wave energy click here.
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