LEARN3- And to the Ocean We Return

Knowledge is power, but the only light bulb it can illuminate are of the metaphoric variety. Energy production is one of the largest examples of applied science, applied knowledge, and has rapidly become a concern for much of the world as we deplete our resources and endanger our environment. The struggle to secure our future in this aspect will only become a larger challenge as the technologically underdeveloped countries begin emerging in the developed world.

I was asking myself, 'If I had to come up with a new way to produce energy, how would I do it?' The ocean holds many bounties of food, of exploration and historical wonder. Why not energy as well? Apparently someone beat me to the idea. The ocean grants an enormous amount of untapped mechanical energy, and the minds at Ocean Power Technologies(OPT) are taking advantage of that.

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From the Ocean Power Technologies website: OPT's PowerBuoy® wave generation system uses a "smart," ocean-going buoy to capture and convert wave energy into low-cost, clean electricity. The rising and falling of the waves off shore causes the buoy to move freely up and down. The resultant mechanical stroking is converted via a sophisticated power take-off to drive an electrical generator. The generated power is transmitted ashore via an underwater power cable. A 10-Megawatt OPT power station would occupy only approximately 30 acres (0.125 square kilometers) of ocean space. Sensors on the PowerBuoy® continuously monitor the performance of the various subsystems and surrounding ocean environment. Data is transmitted to shore in real time. In the event of very large oncoming waves, the system automatically locks-up and ceases power production. When the wave heights return to normal, the system unlocks and recommences energy conversion and transmission of the electrical power ashore. Buoys are spaced to maximize energy capture. Rugged, simple steel construction. Utilizes conventional mooring systems. Simple installation using existing marine vessels and infrastructure. Scalable to large power stations (100+ MW)

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Our world is covered by an ocean that swallows roughly 71% of its surface, and a tremendous amount of our global population lives near(within 100 kilometers) a coast of some sort. While it may not be a global solution(there are many more people who do not have coastal access), it is a step in the right direction by being able to power some of the world's most populous cities(and nations!) with such a potent and currently largely untapped source of energy.