Journal of Oceanography and Marine Research
Open Access

Advancements in Marine Renewable Energy Technologies

Xinh Son^{* *}Correspondence: Xinh Son, Department of Oceanography, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia, Email:

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Description

Marine renewable energy represents a new avenue in the pursuit of sustainable energy sources. With growing concerns over climate change and the depletion of finite fossil fuels, the exploration and development of renewable energy alternatives have become imperative. Among these alternatives, marine renewable energy stands out due to its vast potential and relatively untapped resources.

Forms of marine renewable energy

Marine renewable energy encompasses various forms, including tidal energy, wave energy, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), and offshore wind energy. Each form utilizes different mechanisms to harness the energy inherent in the oceans [1,2].

Tidal energy: Tidal energy exploits the gravitational forces between the Earth, Moon, and Sun to generate electricity. This is typically achieved through the use of tidal turbines installed in areas with strong tidal currents.

Wave energy: Wave energy systems capture the kinetic energy present in ocean waves. Devices such as oscillating water columns, point absorbers, and attenuators convert the up-anddown or back-and-forth motion of waves into mechanical or electrical energy. Wave energy has the advantage of being predictable and relatively consistent compared to other renewable sources.

Ocean thermal energy conversion: Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) exploits the temperature difference between warm surface waters and cold deep waters to generate power. This temperature gradient drives a heat engine, typically a Rankine cycle, to produce electricity. OTEC systems can operate in tropical regions where this temperature difference is significant, offering a continuous and reliable source of energy [3,4].

Offshore wind energy: Offshore wind energy involves the installation of wind turbines in marine environments, typically in shallow coastal waters or deeper offshore locations. These turbines harness the kinetic energy of wind to generate electricity. Offshore wind farms benefit from stronger and more consistent wind speeds compared to onshore sites, leading to higher energy yields.

Advantages of marine renewable energy

Marine renewable energy offers several advantages over traditional fossil fuels and even other forms of renewable energy [5].

Low environmental impact: Compared to fossil fuel extraction and combustion, marine renewable energy has a minimal environmental footprint. It produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation and has minimal visual and habitat impacts if properly sited and designed [6].

Predictability: Tides, waves, and wind patterns exhibit a high degree of predictability, making marine renewable energy sources reliable and suitable for integration into the grid. This predictability enhances energy security and reduces the need for energy storage solutions [7].

Challenges and limitations

The capital costs associated with the installation and deployment of marine renewable energy technologies are often substantial. This includes the costs of design, construction, installation. Developing efficient and reliable marine renewable energy systems requires overcoming numerous technical challenges. While marine renewable energy is generally considered environmentally friendly, certain deployment practices can still pose risks to marine ecosystems [8,9].

Despite the challenges, significant progress has been made in the research and development of marine renewable energy technologies. Governments, academic institutions, and private companies worldwide are investing in innovative solutions to overcome technical, economic, and environmental barriers. Efforts are underway to develop lightweight and corrosionresistant materials suitable for marine environments. These materials can improve the durability and longevity of marine renewable energy systems, reducing maintenance costs and increasing reliability. Researchers are exploring novel designs and configurations to optimize the efficiency and performance of tidal energy, wave energy, OTEC, and offshore wind systems. This includes the development of innovative turbine designs and control strategies to maximize energy capture and minimize environmental impacts [10].

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