What is ocean energy?
"Ocean energy" is a term used to describe all forms of renewable energy derived from the sea. This energy is a clean and abundant natural resource.
There are two broad types of ocean energy: mechanical energy from the tides and waves, and thermal energy from the sun’s heat.
Ocean energy is classified as:
- wave energy—generated by converting the energy of ocean waves (swells) into other forms of energy (currently only electricity). It can be harnessed using a variety of different technologies, several of which are currently being trialled to find the most efficient way to generate electricity from wave energy
- tidal energy—generated from tidal movements. Tides contain both potential energy, related to the vertical fluctuations in sea level, and kinetic energy, related to the horizontal motion of the water column. It can be harnessed using two tidal barrages (based on the rise and fall of the tides) or tidal stream generators (based on tidal or marine currents)
- ocean thermal energy—generated by converting the temperature difference between surface water and water at depth into useful energy. Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) plants may be used for a range of applications, including electricity generation. They may be land-based, floating or grazing.
How is ocean energy used in Australia?
Ocean energy technologies are still at an early stage of development and have only been used at a pilot scale in Australia.
How is RET involved?
The Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (RET) is responsible for the implementation of the Renewable Energy Demonstration Program (REDP) which is supporting a wave technology project in Australia.
More information
For more information about the use of ocean power in Australia, read the Australian Energy Resource Assessment (see Related documents) or visit the Geoscience Australia website.
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