How Wave Energy Works!

 How Wave Energy Works!


What is Wave Energy?

    Just like its name, wave energy is defined as “a form of renewable energy that can be harnessed from the motion of waves”. While one may think such a practice sounds silly, it surprisingly could yield quite the results if put into practice. The U.S. Energy Administration states that around 2.64 trillion kilowatt-hours (“around 66% of U.S. electricity generation in 2020”) of energy can theoretically be produced by waves annually. That’s a big chunk of our needed energy!

Possible Locations

  • West Coasts of the United States

    • Washington

    • Oregon

    • California

  • West Coasts of Europe

  • Coasts of Scotland

  • Coasts of Africa

  • Coasts of Australia

  • Coasts of Japan

  • Coasts of Europe


How Does it Work?

    Wave energy works by using the force of surface waves to spin/ power a turbine, which in turn creates usable energy! First, the sun creates the wind that blows across the ocean’s surface, transferring kinetic energy to it. This creates waves of all different shapes and sizes. The energy output of the waves is what can be used to create usable power (energy!), which can be measured by their speed, height, wavelength, and water density. When these waves hit the shoreline, they release a large amount of kinetic energy, which is then used to power a turbine. The turbine then powers the generator it’s connected to, which ultimately creates the outcome of electricity!




Advantages

  • “Wave arrival pattern” is highly predictable compared to other renewable energies

  • IT’S RENEWABLE!!!!

  • Creates jobs 

  • Can help grow secluded, “remote” areas

  • Hopefully a replacement for fossil fuels, or at least a form of energy to help reduce overdependence on them

  • Minimal to no land damage!

Disadvantages

  • High cost in the beginning

  • General wear and tear from harsh waves can also be costly to fix

  • CAN HARM SEALIFE

    • More prevalent in onshore wave energy projects vs. offshore

    • Water pollution

    • Dredging 

  • Cannot serve a whole country as it is location-dependant

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