Feature Reports
Summary Ocean Energy
The ocean, which covers 71% of the Earth’s surface, is an underexploited source of energy. Techniques harnessing tides, waves, ocean currents, heat and salinity are being developed to generate sustainable electricity. This energy source, which remains underused, is set to grow in the coming years.
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Renewable ocean energy is categorized based on which properties of the ocean are used, such as motion, heatIn the field of statistical thermodynamics today, heat refers to the transfer of the thermal agitation of the particles making up matter... or salinity.
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Tidal energy is based on the surge of enormous amounts of water as ocean tides rise and fall. This energy is recovered through a dam built across an estuary.
At sea, the force of the waves is considerable and omnipresent. However, not every country has the same potential. Those with the best exposure have developed different wave energy recovery techniques.
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Using the salinity of the oceans to produce electricityForm of energy resulting from the movement of charged particles (electrons) through a conductor... is an idea whose time has come in Norway, which boasts the world’s first osmotic powerOsmotic power involves placing a volume of salt water and a volume of fresh water in adjoining chambers... plant. The technology is still being tested.
Using heatIn the field of statistical thermodynamics today, heat refers to the transfer of the thermal agitation of the particles making up matter... from ocean waters to produce energy is not a new idea. However, a number of major technical obstacles must be overcome and there are few suitable sites for these facilities. Heat pumps can sometimes also offer an alternative solution for harnessing the thermal energy of the ocean.
