f. Tidal Wave Energy

TIDAL WAVE ENERGY

EZGasSavers.com
2008, 4 min 35 sec

In addition to solar, wind and geothermal resources, a growing interest in the renewable energy of the ocean has recently given way to several innovative developments offshore. Special buoys, turbines and other technologies can capture the power of waves and tides to convert it into clean and pollution-free electricity. Like other renewable resources, both wave and tidal energy are variable in nature. Waves are produced by winds blowing across the surface of the ocean. However, because waves travel across the ocean, their arrival time at the wave power facility may be more predictable than wind. In contrast, tidal energy, which is driven by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun, is predictable centuries in advance. Careful siting should minimize impacts on marine ecosystems, fishing and other coastal activities.