Ocean Energy Forms

[RHETT11]

The renewable energy is what the world is shifting towards. The popular options include sunshine, water, and wind. Ocean possesses various forms of energy. One of the most commonly known is that of hydroelectric energy, but there are a number of others that include tidal power and ocean thermal energy conversion.

Hydroelectric energy generally uses a dam, wherein the energy of the water flow is captured and used to power a turbine. The turbine then generates a supplementary form of electricity. Tidal power attempts to make use of the natural energy potential of tidal activity in the oceans and seas. In simple terms, the high tide is captured and fed through a turbine to generate electricity.

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a method for generating electricity by taking advantage of this vast temperature difference. The surface water of the ocean is warmer than the deep water and this temperature difference gives rise to the Ocean Thermal energy. In some areas like the tropical region, this difference is temperature is more than 40 degrees.

Owing to the vast energy lying untapped in the ocean water, the investment in the ocean energy has gone up. This is mainly in the form of Ocean Turbine Investments. One of the most prolific tidal turbines in use is the horizontal axis turbines, which are similar to the wind turbines.