Throughout history, various industries have adopted different forms of renewable energy to keep their operations environmentally friendly and minimize their impact. Among the most popular are solar, wind and hydroelectric power. However, many of them overlook one particular source of energy that offers great benefits due to its constant availability.
The world is reaching record levels in the use of renewable energy: we are moving slowly, but in the right direction
This source is considered to be one of the most vast and beneficial on Earth, although its exploitation has not yet reached its full potential due to challenges in accessing it. Despite this, it is estimated that its capacity could be as high as 30,000 terawatts per year, a considerable figure when compared to total global electricity consumption.
The adoption of these renewable measures could make an efficient and sustainable contribution to environmental conservation. It would also help to significantly reduce the human population’s dependence on non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels.
The solution to achieve infinite energy lies beneath the sea
We are referring to wave energy, which harnesses the movement of ocean waves over time to generate great energy potential. Throughout the world, there are large ocean masses that facilitate the production of this form of energy, also known as blue energy.
In stark contrast to other energy sources, this particular one has the advantage that waves are extremely predictable, which is a significant advantage for those seeking to control and monitor energy sources and their production. A panel of experts in the field has been appointed for this purpose.
Compared to the European Union’s use of renewable energy, it is estimated that wave energy in particular could contribute up to 10% by 2050, reducing dependence on highly polluting fossil fuels for backup generators. The key now lies in its storage, as blue energy is considered to be the most unstable in this regard.
On the other hand, there is also the challenge of transporting it in an affordable way, both in economic and technical terms. However, this seems to be a major challenge, given that the only option is to do so by ship, with the high costs involved, which we have seen on other occasions.
The solution could be similar to the one Australia has put in place with hydrogen, which they are now going to transport in powder form to make it cheaper. However, we do not know to what extent this could be a credible option, considering that the starting point is under the sea.
How could this energy be harnessed? A global impact and what we could achieve
Moving rapidly towards its renewable energy targets, the European Union aims to reach at least 42.5% in the next 6 years, with wave energy being a key component in achieving this goal of reaching 1 gigawatt of capacity.
If this target is achieved, the EU would be in an excellent position to supply approximately 40 million households, which would be a considerable achievement in terms of ecology and sustainability, helping to preserve the environment and reduce pollution levels.
Recently, the Finnish company AW-Energy has successfully carried out its project called “WaveRoller”, which uses wave technology to generate large amounts of electricity. This technology is placed in deep water, between 8 and 20 meters under the sea, anchored to the seabed. Depending on tidal conditions, the device can be fully or partially submerged to take full advantage of wave motion.
AW-Energy is expected to generate large benefits for the EU, with an estimated contribution of 275 million euros over the next ten years. In addition, a considerable number of jobs are expected to be created, around 500, which will benefit a large number of workers.