The ocean is full of energy. Wave energy uses this natural movement to create electricity. It is renewable, does not pollute, and can provide power day and night. But wave energy also has some problems. It is expensive, hard to maintain, and may harm marine life. Let’s look at both the bad and good things about using wave energy!
In this article:
10 Advantages of Wave Energy
Renewable Energy Source
Wave energy is a renewable resource because it comes from the ocean’s waves, which are influenced by the gravitational pull from the moon and the wind. So, waves will always exist.
This makes wave energy a long-term and sustainable solution for electricity production. As long as the earth has oceans, wave energy will remain available.
No Greenhouse Gases
Wave energy is a clean power source that does not release carbon dioxide or other harmful pollutants. Unlike fossil fuel power plants, which burn coal, oil, or gas and contribute to global warming, wave energy does not produce air pollution.
This makes it an environmentally friendly option that can help reduce the effects of climate change while providing a steady energy supply.
Reliable Energy Production
Unlike wind and solar power, which depend on changing weather conditions, wave energy is more consistent. The ocean is always in motion, meaning wave energy devices can generate power day and night.
While wave intensity varies with seasons, waves are rarely absent, making wave energy more predictable than wind or solar energy. This reliability makes it a strong candidate for providing a stable electricity supply.
High Energy Potential
Waves contain a lot of energy, and the ocean has a vast potential for electricity generation. Each meter of a wave along a shoreline can generate between 30 kW and 40 kW of power and up to 100 kW out in the ocean.
According to the U.S. Energy Information, in the U.S. alone, wave energy has the potential to produce 2.64 trillion kilowatt-hours in 2023—enough to power millions of homes. Since many countries have coastlines, they can use this energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Less Land Use
Wave energy systems are placed in the ocean, meaning they do not take up valuable land space. Unlike solar farms or wind turbines, which require large areas of land, wave energy plants operate offshore.
This allows land to be preserved for farming, housing, and nature conservation while still producing clean energy. This is especially beneficial for densely populated regions where land is limited.
Minimal Visual Impact
Most wave energy systems are located underwater or far from shore, making them less noticeable compared to wind turbines or solar panels. Offshore installations are often invisible from the coastline, preserving the natural beauty of beaches and tourist destinations.
Unlike large wind farms, which can dominate landscapes, this renewable source of energy devices blend into the marine environment, causing little visual disruption.
Job Creation
The wave energy industry has the potential to create thousands of new jobs in engineering, construction, and maintenance. As wave energy technology grows, skilled workers will be needed to design, build, and operate wave power plants.
Countries investing in this reliable energy source can benefit from economic growth and employment opportunities, especially in coastal communities where marine-based industries are already important.
Offshore Energy Harvesting
This clean energy source can be harnessed far from shore, allowing for greater energy production while reducing environmental impact. Offshore wave farms can capture stronger and more consistent waves, increasing power generation.
This also helps minimize conflicts with coastal tourism, recreation, and fishing industries, as these installations can be placed in deep waters where they are less disruptive.
Predictable and Consistent Supply
Compared to solar and wind energy, wave power is more predictable. Ocean waves follow natural patterns that can be forecasted days or even weeks in advance. This predictability makes wave energy a stable and reliable source of electricity.
While solar panels depend on daylight and wind turbines need strong gusts, wave energy devices can generate power even with relatively small waves.
Can Be Used for Multiple Purposes
Wave energy can do more than just produce electricity. It can also be used for water desalination, providing clean drinking water in areas with freshwater scarcity.
Some systems can be designed to pump water for irrigation in coastal farms. Additionally, wave energy can support off-grid power needs, such as powering remote island communities or offshore research stations.
7 Disadvantages of Wave Energy
High Initial Costs
If you wonder how much it costs to gather up wave energy, it’s only about 0.075 cents per kWh. However, wave energy technology is still in the early stages of development, making the energy plants expensive to build and maintain. The materials must be strong enough to withstand the harsh ocean environment, which increases costs.
Installation requires specialized equipment and workers, adding to the expense. Maintenance is also costly because saltwater causes corrosion, and strong waves can damage the devices.
Limited Locations
Wave energy can only be used in coastal areas, limiting its accessibility. Some regions have weak or inconsistent waves, making them unsuitable for wave energy production.
The best locations are places with strong, consistent waves, such as the North Atlantic and parts of the Pacific Ocean. However, even in these locations, installing and maintaining wave energy plants can be challenging due to deep waters and rough seas.
Impact on Marine Life
Wave energy devices can disrupt marine ecosystems. The presence of large structures in the ocean can affect fish, marine mammals, and seabirds. Animals may collide with the machines, become entangled in mooring cables, or be affected by noise and vibrations.
Wave energy devices can also change local ocean currents and sediment movement, which could impact marine habitats. More research is needed to understand and reduce these effects.
Difficult to Maintain
Wave energy devices operate in a harsh environment. Saltwater is highly corrosive and can damage metal parts, leading to frequent repairs. Strong ocean waves and storms can cause physical damage, requiring costly replacements.
Since many wave energy devices are placed far from shore or deep underwater, maintenance is difficult and expensive. Repairs require specialized vessels, skilled divers, and advanced technology, all of which add to the overall cost.
Weather Dependence
Although waves are more predictable than solar and wind power, they still depend on weather conditions. Some seasons have stronger waves, while others have weaker ones, which affects power generation.
During storms, waves may be too powerful and could damage the equipment. In calmer periods, wave energy devices may not produce enough electricity. This variability makes it difficult to rely on wave energy as a primary power source without backup systems.
Hard to Transport Energy
This source of energy must be transmitted from offshore devices to power grids on land. This requires long underwater cables, which are expensive to install and maintain.
Transmitting electricity over long distances also leads to energy loss, making the system less efficient. In remote coastal areas, connecting wave energy to the grid may not be practical due to the lack of infrastructure. This makes large-scale implementation more difficult.
Complicated Technology
Wave energy technology is still developing, and there are many different designs, including point absorbers, oscillating water columns, and overtopping devices. Each design has advantages and challenges, but none have been widely adopted.
Many wave energy projects are still in the testing phase, and large-scale commercial plants do not yet exist. Slow technological improvements and high research costs make it difficult for wave energy to compete with other renewables like wind and solar.
Visual and Noise Pollution
Wave energy devices, especially those near the shore, can be seen from beaches and coastal towns. Some people consider them an eyesore and worry that they will ruin ocean views.
In addition, wave energy systems create noise, both underwater and above water. This can disturb marine life and nearby residents. While offshore installations reduce visual impact, they are more expensive to build and maintain.
Conflicts with Other Ocean Uses
Wave energy farms can interfere with fishing, boating, and shipping routes. Fishermen may lose access to traditional fishing areas, and boats may have to avoid wave energy installations.
Large-scale wave farms could also affect tourism, especially in areas that rely on beach activities and water sports. Finding suitable locations that do not interfere with other ocean industries is a challenge.
