How can ocean energy create jobs and economic benefits?

It is up to industry and especially engineering to create solutions to make the most of ocean energy. Whether through the energies of currents, tides or wind. Joint work with universities will allow the development of new technologies.

Ocean energy can create jobs and economic benefits by driving growth in coastal communities through the development of new technologies and facilities. The construction, operation, and maintenance of ocean energy infrastructure, like tidal and wave energy plants, generate employment opportunities. This sector also stimulates innovation, attracting investments and fostering a supply chain that supports various industries. Moreover, ocean energy contributes to energy diversification, enhancing energy security and sustainability, which can have positive long-term economic impacts.

Ocean energy, a key part of the renewable energy sector, offers economic diversification and growth, especially benefiting coastal and island areas through energy independence and local development. Its global market potential enables countries to export technology and know-how. The sector also boosts job creation and economic activities in supporting services like vessel operations and maintenance, revitalizing coastal communities and fostering sustainable growth. Additionally, ocean energy facilities, like offshore wind farms, have become tourist attractions, creating tourism-related jobs. Examples include wind farm tours in Rhode Island (US), the UK, and Denmark, with unique experiences like Wind Turbine Climbing in Denmark.

I think ocean energy can create jobs and economic benefits in the same way as others. Investment, Research and Development Programs, Dissemination of its benefits, thus generating more interest on the part of people and companies.

Let me elaborate a little on internal wave energy. Internal waves are oscillations that occur within the body of water, at the interface between layers of water of different densities. These waves can be much larger in amplitude than surface waves, but they are less visible. And how can this energy from internal waves be fully utilized? Through devices that float below the surface, at the interface of layers of different densities, they can capture the energy of the movement of internal waves or through submerged turbines can be placed in the zone where internal waves occur to convert the kinetic energy of the oscillatory movement into electricity.

Clean oceans are optimal. Keep plastic out. Pollution has a negative impact on ocean movements as well as changing the cooling effect for globsl warming. A CLEANER ocean maintains the ecological biodiversity of life and in turn maintain temperature stability.

One of the challenges of ocean energy is the high cost of developing, installing and maintaining ocean energy technologies, especially compared to other more mature renewable sources such as solar and wind. On the other hand, the development of ocean energy can create new markets and economic opportunities, such as generating jobs in research and development; especially in coastal regions.

The large areas available in the oceans are the starting point for the energy transition. The use of oceanic platforms will create not only jobs at sea but also on land, as there will be jobs that can only be done in ports. There will be numerous offers of specialized labor with high salaries.

Utilizing ocean energy presents both challenges and opportunities. Challenges include high upfront costs, complex infrastructure, and environmental impacts on marine ecosystems. The variability of ocean energy sources also makes consistent energy production difficult. However, opportunities lie in its vast potential to provide clean, renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance energy security. Technological advancements and investments in research could overcome the current hurdles, making ocean energy a significant player in the global renewable energy mix, particularly for coastal regions with abundant resources.

The year 2023 has been rich in new projects to harness ocean energy, especially wind energy. The ambitious goals that countries are setting, guided by objectives that will lead to the reduction of fossil fuels. Fortunately, Portugal is at the forefront of the energy transition, with a special focus on oceanic energy.

We also need to turn our eyes to the ocean energy project that Japan tested there in 2022 - The Kairyu Project. Kairyu explores the installation of turbines in deep waters, between 700 and 1000 meters below the surface. They did this because deep currents are more predictable and constant compared to surface currents and waves, and they have little visual and environmental impact on coastal areas and marine habitats closer to the surface.

The Gulf of Khambhat initiative in India focuses on harnessing tidal energy to meet the energy needs of coastal communities. This project aims to exploit the region's significant tidal currents to generate clean and sustainable electricity, contributing to energy security and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. By utilizing advanced technologies, the initiative seeks to address energy poverty and stimulate local economies, enhancing the livelihoods of communities that have historically faced energy access challenges. This aligns with India’s broader renewable energy goals and commitment to sustainable development.