Ocean waves are becoming increasingly promising in the world of renewable energy and, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), have the potential to provide around 10% of global energy needs.
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What
From a scientific perspective, energy generated by ocean waves is considered a hybrid between wind and hydroelectric power, with one very important advantage: production is predictable, as waves are a periodic, easily predictable phenomenon. This energy, called tidal energy, takes full advantage of the tides, thanks to constantly evolving technology.
How it works
Tidal power plants, which generate energy from ocean waves, function very similarly to dams. During high tide, a basin (natural or artificial) fills; during low tide, the outflowing water is channeled to turbines, whose movement generates electricity. Some barrier systems actually have turbines in both directions, capable of producing electricity at both high and low tide. In another case, and here we're closer to wind energy, electricity is supplied via hydrogenerators, which look like turbines, similar to wind turbines. These structures are typically installed on the seabed, in areas with strong tidal variations.
Power plants can be oscillating bridge-type (which exploits the vertical movement of waves), oscillating water column-type (in which case the waves cause a movement of water that drives a turbine capable of generating electricity), floating (they are positioned on the surface of the water and have a structure that moves up and down following the movement of the waves and thus producing electricity), or anchored to the seabed to exploit the movement of the waves and generate energy.
Advantages of wave energy
The advantages of wave energy include, first and foremost, the widespread availability of the source, which, unlike wind and solar energy, is not dependent on atmospheric conditions. Ocean waves, like tides, are present year-round. Secondly, it is an energy source whose production capacity can be easily predicted once the systems are installed. Finally, the environmental impact, which does exist, is significantly lower than that of many other energy sources.
Disadvantages of wave energy
Despite ongoing technological advances, the production and operating costs of wave energy plants are still very high. These costs are difficult to translate into profits for companies investing in this type of renewable energy. Furthermore, as mentioned, there are environmental risks, especially with regard to floating plants or other structures that can alter local waterways and affect marine life, damaging their natural habitat. Furthermore, wave energy requires an adequate distribution network (many plants are located several miles from the coast) and ongoing maintenance, as the plants must withstand the impact of changing sea conditions.
Plants in the world
Given that the United Kingdom is the most advanced country in the technology for producing renewable energy from ocean waves, these are the most important plants currently present in the world:
- Project “Oyster” (Scotland):, uses a system of oscillating bridges to capture wave energy. The Oyster is one of the most successful designs and has demonstrated the effectiveness of this technology.
- “Pelamis” Project (Portugal): It was one of the first floating devices to be used commercially. Although the project encountered technical and financial difficulties, it helped test and improve the technology.
- Projects in Australia and New ZealandThese countries, thanks to their long coastlines and wave-rich conditions, are developing several initiatives to explore the potential of wave energy. Australia has recently invested in research to develop low-maintenance devices.
- Tidal Energy Systems (South Korea): While South Korea is best known for tidal energy, there has also been research and investment aimed at combining tides with wave motion to create an integrated energy system.
- Project "Wave Star” in Denmark: a technologically advanced plant, capable of producing 6MW of energy, enough to satisfy the needs of 4.000 homes, to give you an idea.
Energy from ocean waves in Italy
In Italy, the Kobold turbine in Messina, anchored to the seabed of the Strait of Messina and consisting of three blades with a total diameter of 6 meters, is capable of generating 21 kWh of electricity annually. In the port of Civitavecchia, two devices, called REWEC3 and WAVESAX, are capable of generating energy from wave motion. Another plant, considered a "pilot" project, has been installed by Eni offshore Ravenna. With its partners Terna, CDP, and Fincantieri, Eni intends to transform the Ravenna "Inertial Sea Wave Energy Converter" (ISWEC) pilot project into a solution feasible on an industrial scale.
Read also:
- Abruzzo: 85 municipalities join forces on renewable energy
- Renewable energy: In Germany, a municipality runs only on wind, solar, and biogas.
- Solar energy: clean, renewable and cost-free
- Italy's first renewable energy community is born in Naples.
- Energy: How the distribution network is changing. Meanwhile, 50 percent of consumption is covered by renewables.
- Wind energy in Italy: the real numbers
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