Renewable energies
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Given that 70% of the planet is water… What can we do to harness it and generate renewable energy? What if we use the power of the waves to achieve this goal? Wave energy offers a unique opportunity to generate clean, sustainable energy. Let's explain what it is to better understand why.
What is wave energy?
Wave energy, also known as wave power, is mechanical energy derived from the movement of ocean waves.
It’s generated through a natural phenomenon that depends on the size of the waves and the speed of the wind. Moreover, the methods used to extract and convert this energy into electricity are environmentally friendly, making it a promising renewable source. To better understand how it works, let's examine how wave energy is generated and the various methods available to harness it.
How is wave energy generated?
The uneven heating of the atmosphere by the sun produces wind gusts. These gusts, as they brush against the surface of the ocean, create waves whose power is determined by their length, speed, and the density of the water. This energy can be harnessed in three ways:
First, through the force with which the waves crash onto the shore. Second, by capturing the variations in the height of the waves as they rise and fall. And third, by leveraging changes in water pressure that occur beneath the surface as waves pass.
However, to harness wave energy, we need the right devices for the job:
Devices for capturing wave energy
Before starting construction of these wave energy mechanisms, it is essential to conduct wave studies along the coast and prepare environmental impact reports to confirm that the location is suitable for converting wave motion into wave energy.
Once approved, the location and type of anchorage for these mechanisms are selected:
Let's thoroughly explore the characteristics of each of these three types of devices:
In-water Mechanisms
These are the most promising and are located in waters between 50 and 100 meters deep. They can be floating or submerged. To be cost-effective, they require large plants capable of generating tens of megawatts, which can interfere with navigation due to their extensive surface area.
In-water Mechanisms
These are the most promising and are located in waters between 50 and 100 meters deep. They can be floating or submerged. To be cost-effective, they require large plants capable of generating tens of megawatts, which can interfere with navigation due to their extensive surface area.
In-water Mechanisms
These are the most promising and are located in waters between 50 and 100 meters deep. They can be floating or submerged. To be cost-effective, they require large plants capable of generating tens of megawatts, which can interfere with navigation due to their extensive surface area.
Near-shore Mechanisms
They are located in shallow waters (between 10 and 40 meters). They are ideal for large devices and eliminate the need for anchorage systems.
Near-shore Mechanisms
They are located in shallow waters (between 10 and 40 meters). They are ideal for large devices and eliminate the need for anchorage systems.
Near-shore Mechanisms
They are located in shallow waters (between 10 and 40 meters). They are ideal for large devices and eliminate the need for anchorage systems.
On-shore Mechanisms
They are located on cliffs or fixed structures. They are easy to install and maintain and have minimal visual impact. Their development is limited by the number of suitable locations and the lower energy of waves close to the shore.
On-shore Mechanisms
They are located on cliffs or fixed structures. They are easy to install and maintain and have minimal visual impact. Their development is limited by the number of suitable locations and the lower energy of waves close to the shore.
On-shore Mechanisms
They are located on cliffs or fixed structures. They are easy to install and maintain and have minimal visual impact. Their development is limited by the number of suitable locations and the lower energy of waves close to the shore.
Now that we know the devices used, we need to understand the technologies that convert wave motion into electrical energy.
Technologies for converting wave energy into wave power
Wave energy technologies refer to the mechanisms and technical principles implemented in devices, regardless of whether they are submerged, near the shore, or on the shore itself. Let's explore the most commonly used technologies for converting wave energy into wave power:
- Oscillating Water Column: It uses a well that is closed at the top and open to the sea at the bottom. Waves compress the air in the upper chamber, moving a turbine that generates electricity.
- Articulated Mobile Devices: Like the Pelamis machine, they consist of cylindrical sections joined by hinges. The movement of the waves activates a hydraulic system that pumps oil at high pressure to drive hydraulic motors connected to an electric generator.
- Oscillating Devices: They use hydraulic motors, hydraulic turbines, and linear electric generators to convert wave movement into electricity.
- Rotation: This type of devices use pistons anchored to the seabed that are driven by wave oscillations.
- Linear Translation: This type of devices have a fixed part and a movable part that responds to the waves' hydrostatic pressures.
- Wave Collectors: They capture water in an elevated reservoir and use its downward flow to drive hydroelectric turbines.
- Wave Dragon: A floating structure that captures wave water in a floating pond and uses the potential energy released during its descent to generate electricity through hydroelectric turbines.
Advantages of wave energy
Wave energy has many benefits that make it an excellent option among renewable energies. First of all, it is an inexhaustible source, and ocean waves are always present. This guarantees a supply of energy as long as oceans exist, making it a sustainable long-term source.
Additionally, wave energy does not produce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to reduced air pollution and helping to mitigate climate change. This option aligns with global sustainability targets aimed at achieving the goal of climate neutrality by 2050.
Wave energy is a viable option that aligns with global sustainability goals aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Like other renewable energy sources, new MITECO regulations on marine energy focus on minimising environmental impact, protecting biodiversity, and preserving marine ecosystems. This ensures that any developed infrastructure must be compatible with marine environment conservation.
Furthermore, the predictability and consistency of wave energy offer a more stable energy source, facilitating planning and management of energy production.
Wave energy in Spain
With nearly 8,000 kilometers of coastline, Spain is the perfect location for wave energy. Favourable maritime conditions and constant waves make our coasts an ideal setting for developing this renewable energy source alongside tidal energy. Let's find out whether we are making the most of it.
The Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) is promoting electrical power production at sea with a new regulatory framework.
With the Offshore Wind Roadmap and the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan 2023-2030, they aim to achieve up to 3 GW of offshore wind power, as well as 60 MW from other marine renewable sources.
This environmentally friendly development will generate significant economic activity and create around 40,000 jobs.
Sistema de generación de energía undimotriz. Fuente: Drivingeco
Additionally, MITECO has approved the Maritime Space Management Plans, which include 19 high-potential areas for the installation of offshore wind turbines over 5,000 square kilometers.
The new regulatory framework will cover offshore wind power and other marine energies, such as wave energy, facilitating sustainable energy production and technological innovation in the sector.
Differences between wave energy and tidal energy
Although both wave energy and tidal energy come from the sea, there are differences between them:
|
Waver energy |
ENERGÍA MAREOMOTRIZ |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Generating movement |
|
It comes from the movement of tides |
|
Technologies used |
It uses devices like buoys, oscillating |
It uses turbines installed in dams or |
|
Efficiency |
It is less efficient |
It is more efficient because tides are |
Wave energy not only represents an innovative and sustainable source but also addresses global energy challenges. With immense potential, wave energy is key to a renewable energy future.
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