Seventy percent of the earth is covered by ocean. The predominant forms of energy which can be derived from the ocean are thermal energy by ocean thermal energy conversion, wave energy, and tidal energy.
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC): The Ocean continuously absorbs sun rays. The ocean water gets heated due to the sun. There is a temperature gradient between the sea surface and deep water. The temperature gradient can be utilized for power production.
Wave energy: Waves are caused by wind. The waves contain kinetic energy. The wave energy can be harnessed modular technologies available in the market.
Tidal energy: In coastal regions, the tides are very common. During high tide, the ocean water level increases. The ocean water can be stored during high tide in a dam and power can be produced by allowing water through the turbines when sea level recedes. Conventional reservoir and dam concept is utilized for power production.
