Are ocean waves the future of energy? Scientists say more development needed

Harnessing ocean waves to power your home

Scientist Burke Hales is leading the charge in the development of ocean wave energy, with the hope of accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. One of the main challenges faced in this field is the lack of places to test equipment, but Hales aims to change that with his new facility off the coast of Oregon.

The PacWave facility consists of two sites, PacWave North for small-scale prototypes and PacWave South for larger utility-scale testing. PacWave South, set to begin testing in 2025, will be the first grid-connected wave energy testing site in the U.S. This will provide developers with a real-time testing ground to optimize their devices and potentially find a single design that works best for all waves.

Understanding how ocean waves move is key to harnessing their energy. Brad Buckham from the University of Victoria explains that ocean waves are essentially created by the up and down motion of water particles in an elliptical orbit. Wave energy converters use this oscillatory motion to power generators, with the electricity being transmitted to the shore through subsea cables.

In Canada, there is great potential for ocean wave energy, with the Pacific Coast alone capable of generating over 60 per cent of the country’s annual electricity consumption. However, the development of wave energy projects in Canada is still in the early stages, focusing on prototype devices and dedicated test sites around the world.

Despite the promise of ocean wave energy, there are challenges that need to be addressed. The harsh conditions of the ocean require durable devices that can withstand corrosion and powerful waves. Researchers are exploring ways to enhance the durability of these devices, such as creating technology that can submerge below the sea surface to avoid destructive waves.

Reducing the cost of building wave energy converters is another challenge that researchers are working on. This can be achieved by lowering equipment costs or increasing the energy output of the converters over time. Engaging with local communities is also crucial in the development of wave energy projects, ensuring that their needs and concerns are addressed.

Projects like the Yuquot Wave Energy Project led by the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation off the west coast of Vancouver Island showcase the potential of ocean wave energy to provide renewable, clean energy to communities. By starting with smaller projects and demonstrating their operational track record and environmental impacts, the field of wave energy can continue to advance.

As we work towards achieving net-zero emissions, ocean wave energy has the potential to play a significant role in our transition to sustainable energy sources. With ongoing research and development, we may soon see a future where ocean waves power our homes and communities.