Wave Power: Clean Energy Or Polluting The Sea?

Wave energy is a promising source of renewable energy that has the potential to reduce our reliance on polluting fossil fuels. By harnessing the power of ocean waves, wave energy converters (WECs) can generate clean electricity without producing atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides. However, as with any form of energy generation, there are environmental considerations to take into account when deploying wave energy technology. The introduction of foreign infrastructure into the marine environment can impact marine mammal migration, cause behavioural changes in electricity-sensitive fish, and affect wave dynamics and beach erosion. Noise pollution from wave capture devices can also impact marine life, and the cables connecting floating devices to the seafloor pose entanglement risks for larger whales. While wave energy offers a predictable and stable source of electricity, the high costs of installation and maintenance in harsh marine environments pose significant challenges to its widespread development.

Wave energy devices may disturb marine mammals and block their migration routes

Wave energy is generally considered a clean and renewable energy source that does not produce atmospheric greenhouse gas pollutants or emissions such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides. However, it is important to consider the potential environmental impact of wave energy devices on the local area and marine life.

The noise from the operation of marine energy devices can also impact marine mammals and other animals like fish, diving seabirds, and sea turtles that may swim close to or aggregate around these devices. There is evidence that even the planktonic larvae of crustaceans can be affected by underwater noise. Changes in oceanographic conditions due to the presence and operation of these devices can impact marine animals with broadcast eggs and planktonic or small motile larvae.

Additionally, the construction and transportation of wave energy devices can result in emissions and the release of hydraulic fluids, lubricating oils, and anti-corrosion paints into the surrounding seas. Site preparation may involve dredging and scouring of the seabed, disturbing the ocean bottom and potentially impacting the local environment and marine life.

While wave energy has the potential to benefit coastal areas by reducing coastal erosion and powering desalination plants, it is important to carefully consider the potential impacts on marine mammals and their migration routes to ensure any negative consequences are minimised.

Wave energy devices may cause noise pollution, which could impact whales

Wave energy is widely regarded as a non-polluting and renewable energy source. Unlike fossil fuels, wave energy does not produce atmospheric greenhouse gas pollutants or emissions such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides. However, it is important to consider the environmental impact of wave energy on the local area and ecosystem.

Mathematical models have been developed to study the impact of ocean noise on whale migration routes. These models suggest that higher ambient noise levels can reduce whale communication space, trigger noise avoidance behaviour, and impair navigation abilities. For example, increased noise levels may make it harder for whales to detect cues that signal the direction of cooler polar waters.

The constant noise from wave capture devices, especially in rough conditions, may contribute to the overall noise pollution in the ocean. This could potentially impact whales and other marine life that are sensitive to noise. While wave energy devices are mostly underwater and do not block sea views, the noise they generate may have negative consequences for the marine ecosystem.

Overall, while wave energy is generally considered environmentally friendly, the potential impact on whales and other marine life due to noise pollution should be carefully considered and mitigated to ensure the responsible development and deployment of wave energy technology.

Wave energy devices may be navigational hazards for shipping

Wave energy is a renewable and non-polluting source of energy that does not produce atmospheric greenhouse gas pollutants and emissions such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides. However, like any other form of energy generation, it may have some drawbacks.

One of the potential drawbacks of wave energy devices is that they may pose navigational hazards for shipping. The location, size, and irregular shape of these devices can present new challenges to the safe navigation and communication of shipping and emergency rescue. These devices may be difficult to detect visually or by a ship's radar due to their low profile. This could lead to potential impacts on shipping, especially during storms or if the moorings break away.

To address these concerns, proper care must be taken in siting, design, deployment, operation, and maintenance. The marking of offshore wave energy installations is based on the recommendations of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA). Mariners should assess all hazards and associated risks, including the proximity and spacing of wave energy devices.

In the UK, the government has established guidelines for Offshore Renewable Energy Installations (OREIs) to ensure safe navigation and communication for shipping and emergency rescue. These guidelines include the use of temporary safety zones during construction, major maintenance, and decommissioning of OREIs, as well as radio navigation warning broadcasts and chart and hydrographic publications to inform mariners of potential hazards.

Overall, while wave energy devices may pose some navigational challenges, proper planning and safety measures can help mitigate these risks and ensure the safe adoption of this renewable and environmentally-friendly energy source.

Wave energy devices may cause oil spills from increased boat traffic for maintenance

Wave energy is widely considered a non-polluting and renewable energy source. Unlike fossil fuels, wave energy devices do not produce atmospheric greenhouse gas pollutants and emissions, such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides, commonly associated with burning fossil fuels.

However, the environmental impact of wave energy devices on the local area cannot be ignored. For instance, the constant noise from wave capture devices, especially in rough conditions, may impact whales and dolphins that use echolocation to hunt.

Moreover, the construction, transportation, and life cycle of wave energy devices can result in emissions and the release of hydraulic fluids, lubricating oils, and other substances into the surrounding seas. The potential impact of oil spills from increased boat traffic for maintenance and repair of wave energy devices is a valid concern. As more boats are required for maintenance and transportation to and from the wave energy devices, the chances of an oil spill increase. This could negatively impact the water quality and marine life in the area.

To mitigate this risk, it is essential to implement strict protocols for maintenance and transportation activities, ensuring that boats are well-maintained and that any potential sources of oil spills are carefully managed. Additionally, the use of oil spill response plans and regular drills can help minimize the impact of any potential spills.

While wave energy has the potential to be a clean and renewable source of energy, careful consideration and responsible practices are necessary to minimize any negative environmental impacts, including the risk of oil spills from increased boat traffic.

Wave energy devices are costly to install and maintain

Maintenance and repair of wave energy devices are also challenging and costly. The constant movement and saltwater environment can lead to frequent breakdowns and equipment degradation, requiring regular maintenance interventions. The offshore location of these devices further increases maintenance costs, as specialised equipment and trained personnel are needed to access and service the technology.

Accessibility is another factor that contributes to the high maintenance costs. Wave energy devices are often located several kilometres from the shore, and accessing them for maintenance or repairs can be difficult and expensive. Additionally, the low profile of these devices can make them challenging to detect by ship radar, posing potential navigational hazards that require proper illumination and warning systems to be installed and maintained.

Furthermore, the mooring lines that secure wave energy devices to the seafloor can pose entanglement risks for larger marine mammals like whales. Mitigating these environmental impacts and ensuring the safe operation of wave energy devices can add to the overall maintenance and operational costs.

While wave energy has enormous global potential as a renewable energy source, the industry currently faces financial challenges. Small companies in the wave energy sector rely on limited government funding, and larger companies may be hesitant to invest until the technology matures and cost-effectiveness improves. As the technology advances and production scales up, it is expected that the costs of installing and maintaining wave energy devices will become more manageable, similar to what has happened with wind and solar power.

Frequently asked questions