Waves have a lot of energy
Waves form as wind blows over the surface of open water in oceans and lakes. Ocean waves contain tremendous energy. The theoretical annual energy potential of waves off the coasts of the United States was estimated to be as much as 2.64 trillion kilowatthours, which is equal to about 63% of total U.S. utility-scale electricity generation, in 2023. (Utility-scale generation is from electric generators with at least one megawatt of generation capacity.) The west coasts of the United States and Europe and the coasts of Japan and New Zealand have potential sites for harnessing wave energy. Many different methods and technologies for capturing and converting wave energy to electricity are under development. These methods include placing devices on or just below the surface of the water and anchoring devices to the ocean floor.
Pelamis wave power device off the coast of Portugal
Source: Marine and Hydrokinetic Technologies Program, U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (public domain)
CETO underwater wave energy device
Source: Tuscanit, Wikimedia Commons author (GNU free documentation license) (public domain)
Different ways to channel the power of waves
One way to harness wave energy is to bend or focus waves into a narrow channel to increase their size and power and to spin the turbines that generate electricity. Waves can also be channeled into a catch basin or reservoir where the water flows to a turbine at a lower elevation, similar to the way a hydropower dam operates.
Wave energy site
Source: Adapted from National Energy Education Development Project (NEED) (public domain)
The United States has no commercially operating wave energy projects, but several research projects are underway or planned. The U.S. Department of Energy's Marine and Hydrokinetic Technology Database provides information on marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy in the United States and around the world.
Last updated: May 23, 2024.