Introduction

Wave energy refers to a renewable source of energy that is produced by the upper surface of the ocean due to force of winds. Wave energy can be harnessed with the help of advanced technologies from motion of waves. Harnessing of wave energy can be possible with the help of several methods that include implementing electricity generators on ocean surfaces. Wave energy can be used as an alternative source of non-renewable energy sources. Waves of the ocean contain vital sources of kinetic energy and cannot be destroyed by other external forces. Wave energy produces low carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels including oil, coal, natural gas, and others. 

Ocean energy 

Ocean waves generated ocean energy emits a low amount of carbon emissions in the environment whereas, traditional energy of fossil fuels emit a high level of carbon emissions. As the energy emits a low amount of carbon in the environment it can be considered as an eco-friendly alternative for traditional fuels of fossils. Ocean energy has a low carbon footprint on the environment making it an eco-friendly substitute for fossil fuels. The energy is dependent on tides, lunar cycles, weather, and winds as these are factors contributing to ocean waves. Ocean waves roll across an ocean and generate kinetic energy due to their movement. Movements of waves are utilised for powering turbines that in return generate energy converting into power and electricity. Wave energy can be gathered with the help of different technologies such as attenuators, absorbers, and other devices.  

Wave power 

Wave power is considered as electrical energy that harnesses the movements of surface water of the ocean. The power is produced through floating buoys and turbine platforms that fall and rise with swells. It can be produced by exploiting changes in pressure of wind occurring in chambers for wave capture facing sea and changing wave pressure in the floor of the ocean. Ocean waves produce enormous wave power but include technical as well as technological gaps and challenges. Wave power refers to capture and transport of energy through ocean waves by some technologies such as turbines and others. The power from wave energy can be used in different aspects of work such as electricity generation, pumping of water, water desalination, and others. Wave power is one of the renewable energy sources and it is utilised in different countries for various purposes. Portugal, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States possess different wave farms that generate a high amount of wave power. Wave farms of the UK are powering more than 7,500 households and saving about 300,000 tons of CO2 by next 25 years. 

Limitation of wave energy

Wave energy can produce an enormous amount of wave power but needs to implement advanced technologies. The major barrier of wave energy is that energy systems are generally small and ineffective in powering large structures and buildings. Additionally, the amount of energy harnessed at a time is contingent on the size of ocean waves. Wave energy is dependent upon several factors such as wave speed, height of waves, density, and wavelength. All of the factors affecting ocean waves are unpredictable and alter over time. Oceans across the globe cover about 71% of Earth and so it is highly accessible. On the other hand, wave energy can affect the environment due to the interference of oceans for implementation of advanced technologies to harness wave power. Conflicts can occur about consequences of harnessing as well as harvesting of wave energy and its impact on marine lives. 

Conclusion

As a concluding note, it can be added that ocean energy can be generated through capturing wave power by implementing technologies on surface water of the ocean. Energy is highly accessible as oceans cover up to 71% of the Earth and there is also an opportunity as technologies are evolving. Wave power produces a low amount of carbon emission and is less harmful to the environment compared to other traditional sources of energy such as fossil fuels. Wave energy can be utilised as an eco-friendly substitute for fossil fuels. On the other hand, harnessing ocean power includes certain challenging situations such as lack of technologies, consequences to marine lives, and others.