Renewable Energy Series: Wave Technology the Oyster, Sea Level Rise no Problem

Technology is developing to provide sustainable and renewable energy in locations where sea level is rising. The consequences of global sea level rise are disastrous; however, more water coming into shores does mean more momentum to push the Oyster Wave Energy Device, developed by Aquamarine Power. AP is headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotlandwith further operations in Ireland and Northern Ireland. An excerpt of their corporate responsibility statement reads: "Aquamarine Powerintends to build, maintain and continuously improve sustainable business strategies that lead to high levels of environmental, socio-economic benefits for wider society as well as shareholder return for investors and staff."

How does the Oyster Wave Energy Device work? Simply put, as waves roll in toward shore it will run into a large mechanical flap that swings from the ocean floor, like a door turned sideways. The mechanical energy of the wave transfers to the door. When the door swing open the force pushes water through underground tubes. The highly pressured water spins a turbine and electricity is made. For the video, click here. making the system environmentally friendly is the fact that the system only uses the water from the ocean, so that there are no power lines or chemicals to worry about.

How will the Oyster Wave Energy device help climate change? Aquamarine Power makes some very promising claims in regards to the amount of carbon emissions their technology could displace. The next generation Oyster 2, which comes out in 2011, is reported to displace up to 3,000 tons of carbon annually. Capacity could see as much as 3.3 million tons of carbon displaced by 2020.

Where would the Oyster technology could be implemented to produce electricity? The only demonstration project features a single Oyster Wave Energy Device is at Orkney, Scotland. In terms of the power produced, each Oyster could produce as much as 2MW of power, depending on wave size of course. Systems could be designed to generate as much as 100MW dependable renewable energy without the daily intermittence issues of solar energy.

Many different technologies are required to solve climate change, an ongoing theme in the Renewable Energy Series. A mix of technologies will have to be implemented around the world depending on site location, natural resources, cultural influences, and political will. Besides energy being a highly in demand commodity, fresh water will be equally as scarce in a warmer climate. Combining the Oyster system with a desalinization system would would solve two problems at once. Some concerns still arise. The company states the Oyster is unobtrusive; that be an overstatement. The pictures provided show a large metal beam one foot above crashing waves. This may prohibit their use on tourist beaches and surfing destinations. Large scale use of these systems will not be appreciated in California as they would provide a deadly obstacle recreational surfing. Choice locations would need to be along coastal cliffs and thinly populated regions. As sea level rises, that may be more locations to place this uniquely renewable energy source.

Photo Credit: Aquamarine Power