Wave Energy: An eco-friendly power source
Published: 10:02 AM,Feb 28,2023 | EDITED : 01:02 PM,Feb 28,2023
Wave energy is a dynamic and simple source of clean, renewable energy that has the potential to provide significant benefits to Oman. With its long coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman, the country is well-positioned to harness the power of ocean waves for electricity.
Wave energy is generated by the motion of ocean waves, which is created by winds and other meteorological conditions. The energy in ocean waves is considerable, with the potential to generate large amounts of electricity if harnessed correctly. Unlike other forms of renewable energy, such as solar or wind, wave energy is more constant and predictable, making it a reliable source of energy for communities and countries that depend on it. Wave power plants are also much more space-efficient, being up to 50 times less space-consuming than solar plants.
Oman is also committed to reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and increasing the use of renewable energy sources, which makes wave energy an attractive option. By developing wave energy projects, Oman can tap into the potential of this renewable energy source and contribute to its energy security while reducing its carbon footprint.
There are several different types of wave energy conversion methods, and the oscillating water column (OWC) is the most efficient and reliable solution for nearshore power production. One of the key benefits is that electricity can be generated close to the coast, reducing the need for expensive and environmentally damaging transmission lines. This means that wave energy projects can provide clean, renewable energy to coastal communities, making it a valuable source of energy for rural and remote areas. Additionally, wave energy devices can be designed to have a low environmental impact, and can even be used to enhance the biodiversity of coastal ecosystems.
Uses of this relatively unobtrusive source of energy – they can be co-located with offshore windfarms - for direct maritime and land benefit are multifold and examples include: fish farms, surveillance installations, desalination units, maritime charging points, coastal industry, ports, and can be off grid or linked into local and national grids.
The EU has committed to a renewable energy target of 32% by 2030 and by 2050 10% of all renewables can be provided by wave energy. The Norwegian tech-company Havkraft – literally translated to Ocean Power or Kuwat Al-Bahriya (القوة البحرية ) - provides a unique modular OWC-system where the powerplants are fitted to capture a broad range of wave-frequencies at any nearshore site. They are providing direct power to fish farms in support of government policy in a manner which can dramatically improve the industry. This offers the dual benefit of providing an eco-friendly power source while providing a boost to the economy.
For Oman wave energy is a promising source of clean, renewable energy that has the potential to provide significant benefits. By developing wave energy projects, Oman can contribute to its energy security, reduce its carbon footprint, and provide clean energy to its communities in direct support of the Oman 2040 Vision.
[Matt Minshall, Managing Director - Translucidus Ltd, is also Founder and owner of The Mayamn Water Project]
Wave energy is generated by the motion of ocean waves, which is created by winds and other meteorological conditions. The energy in ocean waves is considerable, with the potential to generate large amounts of electricity if harnessed correctly. Unlike other forms of renewable energy, such as solar or wind, wave energy is more constant and predictable, making it a reliable source of energy for communities and countries that depend on it. Wave power plants are also much more space-efficient, being up to 50 times less space-consuming than solar plants.
Oman is also committed to reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and increasing the use of renewable energy sources, which makes wave energy an attractive option. By developing wave energy projects, Oman can tap into the potential of this renewable energy source and contribute to its energy security while reducing its carbon footprint.
There are several different types of wave energy conversion methods, and the oscillating water column (OWC) is the most efficient and reliable solution for nearshore power production. One of the key benefits is that electricity can be generated close to the coast, reducing the need for expensive and environmentally damaging transmission lines. This means that wave energy projects can provide clean, renewable energy to coastal communities, making it a valuable source of energy for rural and remote areas. Additionally, wave energy devices can be designed to have a low environmental impact, and can even be used to enhance the biodiversity of coastal ecosystems.
Uses of this relatively unobtrusive source of energy – they can be co-located with offshore windfarms - for direct maritime and land benefit are multifold and examples include: fish farms, surveillance installations, desalination units, maritime charging points, coastal industry, ports, and can be off grid or linked into local and national grids.
The EU has committed to a renewable energy target of 32% by 2030 and by 2050 10% of all renewables can be provided by wave energy. The Norwegian tech-company Havkraft – literally translated to Ocean Power or Kuwat Al-Bahriya (القوة البحرية ) - provides a unique modular OWC-system where the powerplants are fitted to capture a broad range of wave-frequencies at any nearshore site. They are providing direct power to fish farms in support of government policy in a manner which can dramatically improve the industry. This offers the dual benefit of providing an eco-friendly power source while providing a boost to the economy.
For Oman wave energy is a promising source of clean, renewable energy that has the potential to provide significant benefits. By developing wave energy projects, Oman can contribute to its energy security, reduce its carbon footprint, and provide clean energy to its communities in direct support of the Oman 2040 Vision.
[Matt Minshall, Managing Director - Translucidus Ltd, is also Founder and owner of The Mayamn Water Project]