The UK is currently the global leader in marine energy and here are some claims (Department of Energy and Climate Change, 2013):
- Wave and tidal energy could potentially contribute to ~20% of the UK's current electricity needs (installed capacity 30-50GW).
- In terms of economics, the technologies could be commercially viable, with the UK set to capture a significant share of the global market (~£50 billion by 2050).
UK Wave & Tidal Power
Sound good?
Check this link out >>>> LINK TO UK WAVE AND TIDAL ENERGY DATABASE <<<<
Marine Energy Sources and Technologies
Different technologies can be applied to harness a diverse range of energy sources from the ocean (IEA ETSAP, 2010; IEA, 2014):
- Wind-driven waves (wave power): the kinetic and potential energy associated with ocean waves harnessed by a range of technologies under development.
- Tidal ranges (barrages): potential energy harnessed by building barrages or other constructions across estuaries.
- Tidal stream (marine currents): kinetic energy harnessed using modular systems.
- Marine salinity gradients: where freshwater mixes with saltwater, the salinity gradient can be harnessed using pressure-retarded reverse osmosis processes and conversion technologies.
- Thermal gradients between warm surface water and deep (>1000m) cold water: application of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion OTEC technologies
For an overview of technologies, check out Ernst and Young (2013).
Are there any downsides?
An estimate from the IEA (2014) suggested that ocean energy technologies could form part of the energy mix by 2030. I think the potential for global marine energy is massive (EY, 2013); however marine energy is still under-utilised globally. This has come about partly due to a modest economic potential, as a result of high technology costs (IEA ETSAP, 2010). Also, the technology is still in research and pilot phase.
Environmental Concerns?
Boehlert and Gill (2010) points to the environmental and ecological impacts of ocean renewable energy. I think the framework defined by McMurry (2008) is a good place to start (Figure 1).
It is clear that marine energy technology is multi-faceted and effects can occur on a range of scales.
I think quantifying the impacts of marine technologies is difficult, which adds to the uncertain feelings towards this energy resource. More research is required on ocean renewable energy technologies to elucidate potential environmental impacts.
This reinforces my view that the exploration of new ways to energize the future is certainly a real-time experiment, which is rather exciting, but obviously carries risks of unprecedented marine habitat and coastal changes (Frid et al, 2012).
My thoughts:
Marine Energy Sources and Technologies
Different technologies can be applied to harness a diverse range of energy sources from the ocean (IEA ETSAP, 2010; IEA, 2014):
- Wind-driven waves (wave power): the kinetic and potential energy associated with ocean waves harnessed by a range of technologies under development.
- Tidal ranges (barrages): potential energy harnessed by building barrages or other constructions across estuaries.
- Tidal stream (marine currents): kinetic energy harnessed using modular systems.
- Marine salinity gradients: where freshwater mixes with saltwater, the salinity gradient can be harnessed using pressure-retarded reverse osmosis processes and conversion technologies.
- Thermal gradients between warm surface water and deep (>1000m) cold water: application of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion OTEC technologies
For an overview of technologies, check out Ernst and Young (2013).
 |
| http://www.pfr.co.uk/pfr/3/Renewable-Energy/38/Wave-and-Tidal/ |
Are there any downsides?
An estimate from the IEA (2014) suggested that ocean energy technologies could form part of the energy mix by 2030. I think the potential for global marine energy is massive (EY, 2013); however marine energy is still under-utilised globally. This has come about partly due to a modest economic potential, as a result of high technology costs (IEA ETSAP, 2010). Also, the technology is still in research and pilot phase.
Environmental Concerns?
Boehlert and Gill (2010) points to the environmental and ecological impacts of ocean renewable energy. I think the framework defined by McMurry (2008) is a good place to start (Figure 1).
 |
| Figure 1. Framework for the consideration of environmental effects of marine renewable energy (McMurry, 2008) |
It is clear that marine energy technology is multi-faceted and effects can occur on a range of scales.
I think quantifying the impacts of marine technologies is difficult, which adds to the uncertain feelings towards this energy resource. More research is required on ocean renewable energy technologies to elucidate potential environmental impacts.
This reinforces my view that the exploration of new ways to energize the future is certainly a real-time experiment, which is rather exciting, but obviously carries risks of unprecedented marine habitat and coastal changes (Frid et al, 2012).
My thoughts:
With the 2015 General Election just around the corner, the future of the UK energy mix is on the agenda. Recent focus has been on technological improvements and reducing operation and maintenance costs of wave and tidal energy (DECC, 2013).
However, more environmental impact assessments are required to evaluate the environmental risks involved. In terms of the UK climatology and coastal location, my view is that wave and tidal energy farms are the way forward for countries like the UK, where the solar power potential is not great. This will help to decarbonise energy supply and increase energy security.
References:
Boehlert, G. W., & Gill, A. B. (2010). Environmental and ecological effects of ocean renewable energy development: a current synthesis.
McMurry, G.R. 2008. Wave energy ecological effects workshop: Ecological assessment briefing paper. Pp. 25-66 in Ecological Effects of Wave Energy Development in the Pacific Northwest: A Scientific Workshop. October 11-12, 2007, G.W. Boehlert, G.R. McMurray, and C.E. Tortorici, eds, NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-F/SPO-92
However, more environmental impact assessments are required to evaluate the environmental risks involved. In terms of the UK climatology and coastal location, my view is that wave and tidal energy farms are the way forward for countries like the UK, where the solar power potential is not great. This will help to decarbonise energy supply and increase energy security.
References:
Boehlert, G. W., & Gill, A. B. (2010). Environmental and ecological effects of ocean renewable energy development: a current synthesis.
McMurry, G.R. 2008. Wave energy ecological effects workshop: Ecological assessment briefing paper. Pp. 25-66 in Ecological Effects of Wave Energy Development in the Pacific Northwest: A Scientific Workshop. October 11-12, 2007, G.W. Boehlert, G.R. McMurray, and C.E. Tortorici, eds, NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-F/SPO-92
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