Is Marine Energy Going To Be The Next Big Thing In Renewable Energy?

What is Marine Energy? Is it really have enough potential to be the future of global energy? What are the types, pros, and cons of it? Explained in the simplest way possible.

Source: Konkurs Europa 2050

What is Marine Energy?

Marine energy (also referred to as marine power, ocean energy, ocean power) refers to the energy carried by ocean waves, tides, salinity, and ocean temperature differences. The movement of water in the world’s oceans creates a vast store of kinetic energy or energy in motion. Some of its energy can be harnessed to generate electricity to power homes, transport, and industries.

The term marine energy encompasses both wave power i.e. power from surface waves, and tidal power i.e. obtained from the kinetic energy of large bodies of moving water. The oceans have a tremendous amount of energy and are close to many if not most concentrated populations.

• Offshore wind power is not a form of marine energy, as wind power is derived from the wind, even if the wind turbines are placed over water. It may come under the Offshore Renewables category. Floating solar panels also fall in the very same category.