Renewable energy?
Wednesday, October 7th, 2009 at
7:26 pm
Why isnt there a massive program to include the ocean waves as a source of renewable energy? there are trillions of gallons pushed upon american shores everyday. There is no way to deplete this because the waves are cause by the pull of the moon. If there was a way to turn those waves into energy, then why hasnt man, with all the technology done it? And P.S. i know they have done it in a small way but in talking a massive!
P.S. not all of american shores have a beach.
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Tagged with: massive program • ocean waves • pull of the moon • source of renewable energy • trillions
Filed under: Renewable Energy
There’s a company from New Jersey that just put in for permitting to build a 50 MW tidal flow plant off the Oregon coast. Several more are proposed from Maine to Massachusetts and and Washington and California.
Tidal flow generation is similar to wind power in terms of mechanics, just translate the birds getting thumped into fish getting thumped.
it all comes down to $$$
Enviromentalism is a big obstacle. Make it environmentally safe and you may have an answer.
it’s a great question…. I think "yooperpooper" (great name) is right…too much money to develop the initial technology needed to harness and then deliver this energy…..of course I’m sure it would pay off in the long run.
Last month’s issue of Discover Magazine did a pretty good write up various energy sources, including wave generators. They also estimate the potential contribution of each source–it was a good read.
Just reread your question–not sure if you’re talking about wave generators or tidal flow generators. The problem with tidal flow generators, which work like a charm, is the value of coastal real estate in populated areas. Makes it cost prohibitive.
OOPS!! Popular Mechanics–not Discover. Sorry!
There are animals that live on the shore and in the ocean. On a large scale where would you be able to put these devices without taking away their habitat. Also you would end up taking beaches away from people, and a lot of people would have a problem with that. It is a good idea in theory, and maybe if just about every beach had a small energy plant that way no one eco system was distroyed but the costs invloved would be extreme.