How oceans are a major contributor to the world’s renewable energy eco-system.

How do we define ocean energy?

Ocean Energy or as it is sometimes referred to as Marine Power is the energy carried by ocean waves, tides, salinity, and ocean temperature differences. The movement of water within the world’s oceans creates vast amounts of kinetic energy stronger even than that found on land. These energies are often harnessed to get electricity to power homes, transport, and industries. The oceans have an incredible amount of energy and are on the brink of many if not most concentrated populations. Ocean energy has the potential of providing a considerable amount of the latest renewable energy round the world.

Excluding offshore wind energy, ocean energies are categorized as: 

Tidal energy: 

Like conventional hydroelectric dams, tidal power plants, built on river estuaries, there are large quantities of water two times each day, which generates power when released. 

Wave energy: 

The unimaginable force of oceans natural waves can drive mechanical systems to get power. Originally located just off the coastline, there now increasingly large experimental plants are now moving to the open sea.

Ocean current energy: 

The energy of ocean currents under the surface is like the wind above it, stronger even. Many underwater turbines — large propellers attached to the seabed floor — are wont to derive power from this source. 

Ocean thermal energy: 

Oceans are an enormous heat reservoir waiting to be harnessed. The temperature difference between warm surface waters and cold deeper layers in lower regions are often used to generate steam first and then power. 

Osmotic energy: 

This is an efficient system, but quite novel one too. It produces energy from the movement of water across a membrane between a saltwater reservoir and freshwater reservoir. 

These sorts of energy have undeniable advantages. They’re plentiful, constant, and predictable and maybe tapped in many various regions around the world. Some countries have started experimenting and a few facilities are already generating power on a large scale to power their important operations.