IRENA Explores Potential of Four Ocean Energy Technologies

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has published a series of technology papers exploring the potential for power generation and other sustainable applications from ocean energy.

IRENA Explores Potential of Four Ocean Energy Technologies

The papers cover the main features and current status of four technology types: tidal energy; wave energy; ocean thermal energy conversion; and salinity gradient energy.

Describing ocean thermal energy conversion as having the highest potential of all ocean energy technologies, the respective Brief notes that: these technologies could supply the total worldwide power generation capacity with zero impact on ocean temperature profiles; 98 countries and territories have been identified as having viable resources; the technologies are particularly suitable for remote islands in tropical seas; and existing barriers include high up-front capital costs and lack of experience in building at scale.

Press release, August 11, 2014; Image: DCNS