Marine Energy
Renewable energy is an integral part of the long-term aim to reduce our climates CO2 emissions. The current European target is to source 20% of the Europe's energy from renewable sources by 2020. There are many challenges to be overcome before wave and tidal power can make a significant contribution towards these targets and reach large-scale commercialisation, but the rewards will be great:
Wave Power Potential
Future Energy Solutions highlight that the global wave power potential has been estimated to be around 1000-10,000GW, which is the same order of magnitude as world electrical energy consumption. The best wave climates, with annual average power levels between 20-70 kW/m of wave front or higher, are found in the temperate zones (30-60 degrees latitude) where strong storms occur. However, the extent to which this will prove practical to harness will depend upon the successful development of both near shore and deep water technologies.
Tidal Power Potential
The World Offshore Renewable Energy Report 2002-2007, released by the DTI, suggests that while 3000GW of tidal energy is estimated to be available, less than 3% is located in areas suitable for power generation. Tidal current energy is therefore very site specific, optimised only where tidal range is amplified by factors such as shelving of the sea bottom, funnelling in estuaries and reflections by large peninsulas. However, tidal power has the distinct advantage of being highly predictable compared with some other forms of renewable energy which makes tidal energy development an attractive resource option.
As part of EMEC's commitment to the marine renewables industry we take an active role in attending working groups, conferences and events, whilst providing key presentations and producing valuable publications. We post the details of this within our weekly news headlines.