Tidal and Wave Energy: Extracting Power from the Ocean

Wave energy harnesses the power of waves in the ocean to generate electricity. Waves are created by wind blowing across the ocean’s surface, transferring energy from the sun. Various technologies, like oscillating water columns and oscillating bodies, capture this energy. Oscillating water columns use wave surges to push air through turbines, while oscillating bodies rise and fall with waves, activating turbines. Overtopping converters direct swell over a structure, driving turbines with the released water.

Tidal energy, on the other hand, comes from the regular rise and fall of ocean levels caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun. Tidal turbines, anchored to the seabed, resemble wind turbines but harness tidal currents instead. Tidal barrages, like large dams, control the flow of water between enclosed bays and the ocean, releasing it through turbines to generate electricity. Both wave and tidal energy offer renewable and predictable sources of power, with ongoing research and development aimed at improving efficiency and harnessing these abundant resources.

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