Ocean energy could supply 13% of global electricity demand and 21% of EU consumption, according to a new report from Ocean Energy Europe (OEE).
Ocean Energy: The Largest Untapped Renewable Resource is described as the first global assessment of wave and tidal energy resources, drawing on more than 70 governmental and academic studies to map country-by-country potential.
The report finds ocean energy could become a major source of renewable electricity alongside wind and solar, supporting efforts to decarbonise power systems.
OEE said the global resource is likely to grow further as technology improves and new geographical areas are unlocked, adding that many regions have yet to quantify their resources, meaning current figures may underestimate long-term potential.
The UK and France host some of the world’s best tidal resources, the report finds. Wave energy alone could meet over 100% of electricity demand in Ireland and Portugal, 55% in the UK and more than 30% in Spain.
Outside Europe, the report identifies significant untapped potential. Ocean energy could meet 36% of electricity demand across the Americas, with the US and Canada holding the highest surveyed potential and Brazil and Chile able to cover 20% of demand through wave energy alone. The US is increasing investment through Department of Energy funding programmes, the report notes.
In Asia and Oceania, tidal energy could meet all of the Philippines’ electricity demand and over 50% of Indonesia’s. Japan is installing its first tidal turbines, while China has included the “large-scale development of ocean energy” in its 14th Five-Year Plan.
The report also points to considerable unassessed potential in Africa and small island developing states, though it notes most countries in these regions have yet to quantify their resources.
The findings were launched at an online event last month, featuring contributions from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the European Commission and OEE.
James Walker, team lead at IRENA, said: “Comprehensive renewable energy resource assessments are an essential foundation for developing the policy and strategy frameworks which deliver energy transition progress. This study highlights both the significant global potential of ocean energy, and the need to expand data collection, harmonise assessment methodologies and support more countries in understanding their marine energy resources.”
Rémi Gruet, chief executive of OEE, said: “This assessment confirms that ocean energy is not a niche technology. The resource is abundant, the technology is progressing, and countries that move first will secure industrial leadership, export opportunities and home-grown renewable electricity. The next step is to translate this global potential into commercial deployment.”
Image credit: Alex Mit/Shutterstock
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