Harnessing Wave Power

The Department of Energy says wave energy could help hydropower usage reach 15 percent of the nation’s total energy consumption by 2030. The D.O.E published two reports today on the potential of harnessing wave energy in the U.S. “Mapping and Assessment of the United States Wave Energy Resource” and “Assessment of Energy Production Potential from Tidal Streams in the United States” are both pretty technical. They detail the largely untapped renewable energy source of America’s shorelines. Much of this energy may not be feasible to harness. But the D.O.E says maximum “theoretical” potential could supply one-third of the nation’s current electricity needs.
Alaska, Hawaii and parts of the West Coast have the most potential for wave power generation. But the report also outlines energy production for tidal streams and waves on the East Coast. Wave energy production uses devices installed at or near the ocean’s surface. Technology has been developed that takes the wave’s motion and uses it to drive turbines, pistons or electric generators that send the energy through cables along the ocean floor.

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