Offshore renewable energy is energy collected from oceanic resources which are naturally replenished, such as wind, tides and waves. In a world increasingly affected by climate change, not only for the marine industry, but also other industries, burning fossil fuels is no longer a long-term option.

Renewable energy can be used for electricity generation, air and water heating/cooling, transportation, and rural energy services. Thankfully, the natural world around us offers plenty of opportunities for clean, renewable energy. The ocean is one of them. Today there are three main sources of offshore renewables.  Below you can find out more about how they work. 

Wind energy

‘Today, wind farms are the most popular type of offshore renewable and compared to wind farms on land, they have many advantages:
•    The speed and strength of the wind are greater in the ocean.
•    The visual impact and noise levels are reduced.
•    They can be bigger at sea, meaning more energy is collected.
•    They have a minimal impact on ocean ecosystems.

Wave Energy

What about the ocean itself? Waves contain a lot of energy and many companies around the world are exploring how to exploit it.

AW-Energy Oy is one of them. This company has created the WaveRoller, a device that converts ocean wave energy into electricity hundreds of metres away from the coast and at the bottom of the sea. But despite its many advantages, this technology isn’t widely used yet. Researchers are still investigating how to make it an affordable and reliable alternative.

Tidal Energy

Tidal energy is one of the largest untapped renewables. And it has plenty of benefits.

Tides are highly dependent on the gravitational forces of the moon, which are determined by its cycles. That means they are easier to predict than wind and sun and that it’s possible to know in advance how much electricity will be produced. Unlike other offshore renewables, they don't rely on the weather either, they work even when there is no wind or sun.

Tidal energy is generated with tidal power generators—underwater turbines—that are installed in places with high tidal movements. The movement of the water makes the blades turn. This drives the generator to produce electricity that is then sent to shore via power cables.

These devices can be difficult to install and maintain in the ocean due to harsh conditions, especially at competitive costs. However, recent technological improvements are making this possible. And many European countries are already embracing this technology, such as France and the United Kingdom. We are looking forward to seeing it.