Ocean Energy: Types & Advantages|UPSC Notes

This is potentially a clean and sustainable power that leaves its clean mark on the future. Ocean energy is described as the energy harnessed from natural movements in the ocean, including waves, tides, and thermal gradients. In a world looking to find alternative sources, tapping its vast oceans may turn out to be the game-changer as seas cover more than 70% of Earth’s surface. There are many types of ocean energy systems. Even though the technology is still developing, the range of this ocean energy is going to alter the system of power generation within the coastal region. 

• Wave energy is directly obtained from the surface waves.
• The natural tides, in ocean energy, generate power by the rise and fall of the water bodies inside it.
• It converts the temperature differences between deep waters and shallow waters into energy.
• Salinity gradient energy offers the chemical energy from the differences in salt concentration.

GS Paper	GS Paper I, GS Paper III
Topics for UPSC Prelims	Ocean Energy, Basic principles of tidal and wave energy generation, Major ocean energy projects in India and globally, Renewable energy resources in India
Topics for UPSC Mains	Geographical distribution of ocean energy potential, Advantages and challenges in harnessing ocean energy, Role of ocean energy in India’s energy security, Government policies and initiatives for ocean energy

Types of Ocean Energy

There are various types of ocean energies, and with the advancement of technology, the energy sources have found some of their meanings.

Tidal Energy

Tidal energy involves capturing the power generated by tidal movements, which are purely driven by gravitational forces on Earth. Energy sources include the motion of tides caused by the rise and fall of ocean tides. It captures energy through tidal barrages or underwater turbines. Tidal energy follows a predictable pattern due to the cyclical nature of tides, which makes it a stable source of electricity. Such energy can be harnessed in regions having high tidal ranges. Already, tidal power plants have been established in countries like France and the UK.

Wave Energy

Wave energy harnesses the movement of surface waves to create electricity. Specifically designed apparatus floats on the surface of the water, collecting the wave’s energy. Though wave energy systems are still in their nascent stages, they have tremendous possibility, especially in areas with high wave intensity, such as coastal regions in the Pacific.

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)

The reason why OTEC generates electricity is because of the thermal gradient between warm surface waters and cold deep waters. The application is more relevant where the thermal gradient is significant. OTEC technology makes an island nation energy-independent.

Ocean Energy Advantages

Ocean energy brings with it renewable power which generates less compared to fossil fuels, provides sustainability, and energy security, and reduces dependence on fossil fuels towards a clean environment. The benefits of Ocean Energy are so wide-ranging:

Renewable and Sustainable

Ocean energy is a renewable resource, which is replenished constantly by natural processes, in the sense that it is replenished and does not, therefore, deplete with time, offering a source of sustainable energy for long-term power generation without any contribution to greenhouse gases or global warming.

Reduces Carbon Footprint

Carbon emissions are significantly lowered in the exploitation of it compared to the traditional fossil fuel-based energy used in the world. It plays a crucial role in curbing the impacts of climate change by promoting clean energy, reducing coal, oil, and gas use, and achieving a healthier and greener environment.

High Energy Density

It is a fact that it has a much higher energy density compared to other renewable sources, such as wind and solar. This implies that small spaces of ocean energy installations can produce many electric kilowatt-hours, which makes this source a more efficient one for power production.

Predictable Energy Source

Ocean energy is very predictable as it compared to wind and solar energy, tides and waves always happen pretty much at the same time every day. Predictability would mean better planning and integration into energy grids, ensuring a stable power supply, therefore adding to the security of energy.

Job Creation and Economic Growth

This results in the creation of various jobs in manufacture, installation, and also for research and maintenance purposes in industries related to its technology. In turn, such investments fuel further economic growth in the industries undertaking renewable energy projects.

Supports Coastal Development

It projects favor coastal communities by providing them with localized electricity generation, thereby ending reliance on sources of power located afar. Symbiotically, local electricity generation in coastal areas will stimulate all sorts of economic activities, resulting in infrastructure and better living standards.

Minimal Land Use

Ocean energy systems, including tidal and wave power installations, do not occupy extensive land areas; thus, their environmental impact on terrestrial ecosystems is minimized. As such, they are suitable for areas with limited land availability for the provision of sustainable energy without risking land-use conflicts.

Limitations and Challenges

It is a source of renewable energy but suffers some drawbacks such as a high capital cost, technological as well as environmental issues, and location specificity. The development of the same also poses challenges in terms of maintenance requirements, grid integration issues, and variability in energy generation with weather conditions. Despite being a potential source of energy, it has several downsides:

High Installation Costs

Its systems are costly to develop and install. Compared with solar or wind, underwater infrastructure, turbines, and maintenance are costly. This challenges it from going widespread.

Environmental Issues

It is environmentally friendly in general, but there are effects on marine life. Tidal barrages were known to interfere with aquatic ecosystems, disrupting fish populations and other water organisms.

Technical Barriers

The ocean energy systems need to be developed with the best technology. Wave energy machines must survive the strength of ocean condition effectively. Quite a lot of technical barriers have to be overcome so ocean energy comes into wide availability.

Conclusion

Ocean energy has a vast unexploited potential for clean and renewable power. We can take advantage of the natural movements of the ocean to produce consistent and sustainable power. Cost and technological challenges prevail but ongoing developments will probably place it at the heart of the global mix of energy. Localized power generation, therefore, offers coastal communities the chance to achieve energy independence.

Ocean Energy UPSC Notes

1. Ocean energy is derived from the natural movements of the ocean, including waves, tides, and temperature differences. 2. Tidal energy is predictable and generated from the natural rise and fall of tides, using tidal barrages or underwater turbines. 3. Wave energy harnesses the movement of surface waves, offering potential for regions with strong coastal waves. 4. Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) uses temperature differences between deep and surface waters, common in tropical areas. 5. Ocean energy is renewable and provides consistent power generation with minimal carbon emissions compared to other sources. 6. Challenges include high initial costs, technical difficulties, and potential environmental concerns affecting marine ecosystems.

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