How can ocean energy create jobs and economic benefits?
Ocean energy is the renewable energy that can be extracted from waves, tides, currents, salinity gradients, and thermal gradients in the ocean. It has the potential to contribute to the global transition to a low-carbon economy, as well as to create jobs and economic benefits for coastal communities and industries. In this article, you will learn about the different types of ocean energy, the challenges and opportunities for its development, and the examples of successful projects around the world.
Ocean energy can be classified into five main categories, depending on the source and the technology used to capture it. Wave energy is the kinetic and potential energy of the surface waves, which can be converted into electricity by devices such as buoys, floats, or oscillating water columns. Tidal energy is the kinetic and potential energy of the tidal streams and the tidal range, which can be harnessed by turbines, barrages, or lagoons. Ocean current energy is the kinetic energy of the large-scale ocean currents, such as the Gulf Stream or the Kuroshio, which can be exploited by underwater turbines or kites. Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is the thermal energy of the temperature difference between the warm surface water and the cold deep water, which can be used to generate electricity or produce fresh water by using heat exchangers or heat engines. Salinity gradient energy is the chemical energy of the difference in salt concentration between fresh water and seawater, which can be captured by pressure-retarded osmosis or reverse electrodialysis.
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Ocean energy can create jobs and economic benefits by driving growth in coastal communities through the development of new technologies and facilities. The construction, operation, and maintenance of ocean energy infrastructure, like tidal and wave energy plants, generate employment opportunities. This sector also stimulates innovation, attracting investments and fostering a supply chain that supports various industries. Moreover, ocean energy contributes to energy diversification, enhancing energy security and sustainability, which can have positive long-term economic impacts.
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Ocean energy, a key part of the renewable energy sector, offers economic diversification and growth, especially benefiting coastal and island areas through energy independence and local development. Its global market potential enables countries to export technology and know-how. The sector also boosts job creation and economic activities in supporting services like vessel operations and maintenance, revitalizing coastal communities and fostering sustainable growth. Additionally, ocean energy facilities, like offshore wind farms, have become tourist attractions, creating tourism-related jobs. Examples include wind farm tours in Rhode Island (US), the UK, and Denmark, with unique experiences like Wind Turbine Climbing in Denmark.
Ocean energy is still an emerging sector, facing a variety of technical, environmental, regulatory, and financial challenges. These include designing reliable and efficient devices to withstand the ocean's harsh conditions, grid integration, and maintenance. There are also environmental concerns about assessing and minimizing the impacts on marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and coastal processes. Regulatory challenges include establishing clear laws, permitting procedures, and standards for ocean energy projects. Additionally, financial issues involve reducing costs and risks while attracting public and private investments. Despite these challenges, ocean energy also presents many opportunities and benefits. It can diversify the energy mix, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs and economic growth, boost social and regional development, and promote international cooperation.
Around the world, there are many examples of ocean energy projects that demonstrate the feasibility and potential of this sector. For instance, the MeyGen project in Scotland is the world's largest tidal stream array, with four 1.5 MW turbines installed in the Pentland Firth, producing enough electricity to power 2,600 homes. In South Korea, the Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Station is the world's largest tidal range plant, generating 254 MW of electricity from the water level difference between the lake and sea. Additionally, Scotland's Oyster project is a wave energy device that uses a hinged flap to pump high-pressure water to an onshore hydroelectric turbine with a capacity of 0.8 MW. Hawaii's Makai Ocean Engineering OTEC plant is a demonstration project that uses a closed-cycle system to produce 100 kW of electricity from the 20°C temperature difference between surface and deep water. Lastly, Norway has a pilot project using pressure-retarded osmosis to produce 4 kW of electricity from the salinity gradient between fresh water and seawater.
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The year 2023 has been rich in new projects to harness ocean energy, especially wind energy. The ambitious goals that countries are setting, guided by objectives that will lead to the reduction of fossil fuels. Fortunately, Portugal is at the forefront of the energy transition, with a special focus on oceanic energy.
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