Wave Energy vs. Tidal Energy
If you're interested in renewable energy technology, you've probably heard about the potential of both wave energy and tidal energy. While both of these types of energy harness the power of the ocean, they have some key differences. In this blog post, we'll take a look at wave energy and tidal energy, compare and contrast them, and examine the pros and cons of each.
What is Wave Energy?
Wave energy is produced by harnessing the energy of ocean waves. This energy is converted into electricity. Wave energy technology uses the kinetic energy produced by the motion of ocean waves, which are often caused by wind blowing over the ocean's surface.
Wave energy technology has developed rapidly over the past decade. The technology involves capturing the motion of ocean waves through a variety of different methods. The two main types of wave energy technology are oscillating water column (OWC) systems and overtopping systems. The OWC system, which is common in Europe, uses a hollow chamber that captures the motion of waves and channels it through a turbine to generate electricity. The overtopping system, which is common in Asia, uses a basin to catch the water that spills over the edge of the device and uses it to generate electricity.
What is Tidal Energy?
Tidal energy is similar to wave energy in that it harnesses the power of the ocean, but instead of waves, it uses the movement of tides to generate electricity. Tidal energy systems work by capturing the energy produced by the moving water of tides. Tidal energy technology is often divided into two categories, tidal stream and tidal barrage.
Tidal stream technology uses turbines to harness the energy of moving water, much like a wind turbine. Tidal stream turbines are usually positioned on the seafloor, and they rotate as the tide ebbs and flows. Tidal barrage technology, on the other hand, uses a dam-like structure to capture and release the energy produced by tidal movements.
How Do Wave Energy and Tidal Energy Compare?
Wave energy and tidal energy are both considered renewable energy sources, but there are some differences between them. Wave energy is generally less predictable than tidal energy, which can make it more challenging to harness. Tidal energy, however, is highly predictable, as the tides are influenced by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun, which means it's easier to plan for the production of electricity.
According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the total potential for wave energy is estimated to be around 29,500 terawatt-hours (TWh) per year, which is equivalent to around 9% of global electricity consumption. The report also estimates the total potential for tidal energy to be around 8,000 TWh per year, which is equivalent to around 2.5% of global electricity consumption.
Pros and Cons of Wave Energy vs. Tidal Energy
Pros of Wave Energy
- Large potential supply of energy
- Less intrusive on natural habitats than tidal barrages
- Can be combined with offshore wind farms
Cons of Wave Energy
- Less predictable than tidal energy
- Greater wear and tear on equipment due to harsh ocean conditions
- High initial capital cost
Pros of Tidal Energy
- Highly predictable energy generation
- High energy density
- Long lifespan of equipment
Cons of Tidal Energy
- Limited potential locations for tidal barrages
- Potential impact on natural habitats
- High initial capital cost
References
- "Wave Energy." Renewable Energy World. https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/wave-energy/
- "Tidal Energy." Renewable Energy World. https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/tidal-energy/
- "Marine and Hydrokinetic Technologies: Technical and Market Analysis." International Energy Agency. https://webstore.iea.org/marine-and-hydrokinetic-technologies-technical-and-market-analysis