USING THE ENERGY OF SEA WAVES – ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

Abstract

Sea and ocean waves are a clean and environmentally friendly source of energy. The advantages of wave energy are considered: high energy density and predictability, winter peak and grid balancing. As an advantage, the technological feature of some devices to weaken and disperse the incoming wave energy can be mentioned, in order to stop erosion along the coastline. Others are designed to attach marine organisms such as oysters and crustaceans, providing an oxygen-rich environment that accelerates the development of marine biomass. The disadvantages are difficult installation and maintenance due to the harsh environment, high cost and short life of the devices, complex design, disturbance of the living areas and migration of marine inhabitants, occurrence of underwater noise. Despite the aforementioned drawbacks, wave energy represents a significant, untapped renewable resource with the potential to contribute significantly to global energy needs and decarbonization goals.