Wave power

Ocean Wave Energy
Ocean wave energy is captured directly from surface waves or from pressure fluctuations below the surface.





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Waves are caused by the wind blowing over the surface of the ocean. In many areas of the world, the wind blows with enough consistency and force to provide continuous waves. There is tremendous energy in the ocean waves. Wave power devices extract energy directly from the surface motion of ocean waves or from pressure fluctuations below the surface.
Wave power varies considerably in different parts of the world, and wave energy can't be harnessed effectively everywhere. Wave-power rich areas of the world include the western coasts of Scotland, northern Canada, southern Africa, Australia, and the northwestern coasts of the United States.


Environmental Considerations
Potential environmental considerations for the development of wave energy include the following:
Positive or negative impacts on marine habitat (depending on the nature of additional submerged surfaces, above-water platforms, and changes in the seafloor);
Toxic releases from leaks or accidental spills of liquids used in those systems with working hydraulic fluids;
Visual and noise impacts (device-specific, with considerable variability in visible freeboard height and noise generation above and below the water surface);
Conflict with other sea space users, such as commercial shipping and recreational boating;