The Significance of Wave Energy

by Faeyza 9A

"Our oil problems are only going to get worse. Our trade balance is only going to get worse. So we have to slow down the growth of the U.S' oil consumption, particularly imported oil consumption." - Sherwood Boehlert. The US representative politician is telling the truth, like it or not, he is spitting facts. He is absolving on refinery legislation that utilizes high oil prices as an excuse to undercut environmental standards. However, as the audience remained at the back of their mind, how can a world without the necessities of oil live solidly? Living without energy consumption. Luckily, a new backup plan has been brought up by a French engineer, Monsieur Girard. Wave energy. It is said that his innovation has solved it majorly, with less use of oil. Wave energy is not so popular in the world, but it is significant.

First and foremost, what is wave energy? Wave energy is similar to wind and solar power, meaning that it is not only a type of power but rather a renewable source. This is because waves move constantly. Waves or tides occur because the moon's gravitational pull pulls the ocean toward it during high tides, furthermore, waves are made out of large amounts of kinetic energy that transmit through water. This is easy to understand despite that kinetic energy is constant energy which is a body possessing by merit of being in motion. Wave energy can be converted through a generator like the linear generator and oscillating wave column, precisely they are placed in liquefied areas. This method was created by a French engineer, Monsieur Girard, and his son, just after they received a patent in 1799, in Napoleonic Paris. Plainly, the method is rational, it may save the world's oil and is less detrimental, but how effective is it?

Wave energy is essentially unlike other forms that it is non toxic, such as coal and nuclear energy. Unfortunately, the generator does stress out the sea creatures. However, more importantly, it doesn't produce gas, waste, pollution, or any harmful byproducts. The next advantage is that the energy can be predicted by clockwork, making it easy to calculate the number of energy waves that will be produced in advance. Next is that it minimally requires less foreign oil imports. Oil imports are a problem due to the fact that any international issue or supply disruption will inflate the cost of gallons of oil. Lastly, it is the most concentrated form of renewable energy. This is because waves have a far higher power density than solar and wind energy, and because they can travel thousands of kilometers with no energy loss, as if they are constantly charged by the wind.

Unfortunately, there are a few complications in wave energy. The

can be either placed somewhere in the ocean, while the oscillating wave column can be placed onshore, or in deeper waters offshore. Therefore, it is only beneficial for lands nearby, onshore and offshore. Recall the fact that it's eco-friendly, in some cases it can also be minorly harmful by disrupting the sea creatures or habitats nearby. Though, unlike other machines that produce toxic wastes, the wave energy generator produces unharmful unintentional scraps. Lastly, the generators have a level of production of converting wave energy into electricity that is low. It would be difficult to produce more electricity if the waves are low. So high tides are needed to generate a greater amount of electricity. As long as the moon exists, the tidal force will continue.

So in retort, wave energy isn’t a major problem solver, however, it can be one of the few additional important attachments to reducing the use of oils. Wave energy is not as effective as oil as it produces electricity rapidly, though wave energy is not a rapid producer but can help intermediately. Not only in conversion but as a way of reduction in unwanted wastes and excessive use of oil. The world is in its crisis of excessive oil exports, needing yet using it as a huge complication towards the environment and its limitations. Nevertheless, wave energy is the most concentrated and non harmful energy. But do be reminded, this method will be beneficial for only offshore countries like Indonesia and Japan. So in mind, offshored countries should focus less on oil for electricity and utilize wave energy more. Thus, this hitherto must be used to develop economists' minds in order to create a better world.

To sum it all up, the wave energy method created by Monsieur Girard is important in saving the environment and oil. Electricity can be produced from the constant wave moving, with the help of kinetic energy. This is rational, however it has its ups and downs such as very expensive, minorly disrupting, no pollution and is the most concentrated energy. Fortunately, it can be one of the few additional important attachments to reducing the use of oils. Wave energy can be a rapid method of producing electricity if many of its generators are created.

Bibliography

1. Eco-Centric. “An Introduction to Wave Energy.” Just Energy, 18 Feb. 2021, https://justenergy.com/blog/motion-of-the-ocean-introduction-to-wave-energy/.

2. Bankole, Ade. “Wave Energy: What Is Wave Power?” Switchcraft, Switchcraft, 19 Nov. 2019, https://www.switchcraft.co.uk/energy/renewable-energy/wave-energy/.

3. Prasanna. “Advantages and Disadvantages of Wave Energy: Various Top Advantages and Disadvantages of Wave Energy.” A Plus Topper, 17 Aug. 2021, https://www.aplustopper.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-wave-energy/.