Hydrokinetics: Making Waves in Energy Savings
Oct 7, 2016
Finding renewable and everlasting energy has been a trial and error concept for quite some time. However, we have made breakthroughs with concepts such as wind and solar power. Now, we are harnessing energy from the ocean. Wave energy, or hydrokinetics, is the idea of using power from the force of waves. Essentially, the stronger the waves, the more power harnessed. It's an innovative concept that can do a lot for our environment by conserving energy.
Creating power from waves doesn't use harmful resources like gas, fossil fuels, or waste. As a natural product of the earth, the ocean's waves are safe to use no matter which way you look at it. The waves are taken directly into electricity-producing machinery and used to power nearby generators and power plants.
From anchoring devices on the ocean floor to turbines on the coast, scientists are testing multiple ways to gather the power from the ocean's current. While this experimenting can be costly, the long-term benefits seem to be more "valuable than putting money into carbon-base fuels or nuclear," according to Takepart.com.
This would be a breakthrough for many countries, especially those in coastal areas. Transferring oil actually causes a massive amount of air pollution and it can also be quite costly. If we can start harnessing wave energy regularly and in a large abundance, we can do a lot for our environment. Plus, the wave energy industry could mean millions of green jobs for people all over the world.
Regardless of weather conditions or wind speed, there is always a current. This means that there is a constant harnessing of energy, without man-made efforts. Of course, on windier days, the swell is larger, creating more energy and power. However, even on days that are lower in wind speed, there is still a swell. Being able to capture energy 24/7 naturally is a huge triumph in creating power.
It's (Obviously) Not Harmful for the Environment
Creating power from waves doesn't use harmful resources like gas, fossil fuels, or waste. As a natural product of the earth, the ocean's waves are safe to use no matter which way you look at it. The waves are taken directly into electricity-producing machinery and used to power nearby generators and power plants.
Multiple Ways to Capture the Energy
From anchoring devices on the ocean floor to turbines on the coast, scientists are testing multiple ways to gather the power from the ocean's current. While this experimenting can be costly, the long-term benefits seem to be more "valuable than putting money into carbon-base fuels or nuclear," according to Takepart.com.
Less Dependency on Foreign Oils or Gas
This would be a breakthrough for many countries, especially those in coastal areas. Transferring oil actually causes a massive amount of air pollution and it can also be quite costly. If we can start harnessing wave energy regularly and in a large abundance, we can do a lot for our environment. Plus, the wave energy industry could mean millions of green jobs for people all over the world.
Consistency of Power
Regardless of weather conditions or wind speed, there is always a current. This means that there is a constant harnessing of energy, without man-made efforts. Of course, on windier days, the swell is larger, creating more energy and power. However, even on days that are lower in wind speed, there is still a swell. Being able to capture energy 24/7 naturally is a huge triumph in creating power.
