Wave Energy

Energy generated from waves is a new, up and coming renewable energy source. Wave energy has a great potential for success being one of the two renewable energy sources out of the ocean. It can generate electricity, pump water, and power desalination plants.33

Click the image below for the 101 on wave energy.

Waves

  • Pros: Wave power is consistent, and wave density is much greater comparing to wind energy allowing more energy output with less time. Wave energy offers no pollution danger and is a great energy that reduces impacts on shore by absorbing waves near land.33 Wave energy is also one form of renewable energy that has multiple designs all of which are equally effective.
  • Cons: The number one disadvantage is the cost of installation and the cost to get the energy to the grid, followed by the effects on tourism being that the plants could be a not so feasible sight. Marine life could also be minimally, but temporarily, negatively impacted.33

Wave energy tends to be more scientifically popular than wind or solar power in that the patterns are adjacent to that of the ocean, specifically tides and waves, which are predictable and have a high energy density. Wave power projects are currently on the rise and are soon to be at least as important as wind and hydropower.34