Alternative Energy Funding On Coastal Power

Coastal areas have it rough as far as climate change is concerned. Not only are such areas threatened with rising sea levels, but the prospects for generating renewable power can be somewhat bleak, especially in areas that receive very little sun.

Wave Power Revolution For Coastal Area

Most coastal areas have wind and surf in abundance. While wind power is well established, wave power actually has the potential to be one of the most profitable types of renewable energy generation.

There are two major types of wave power generator. The first and older type is like a bouy that bobs up and down in the water along a shaft. This type of wave power generator is generally sturdy, with the ability to catch only a fraction of the total power of each wave.

The newer type of wave power generator is named after a water snake because it’s actually several segments that move back and forth in the waves. This type of wave power generator performs extremely well, with the scability into large wave farms.

Funding On Renewable Ocean Energy

When wave and tidal power technologies reach commercial scale, they are expected to be able to provide thousands of megawatts of power to coastal communities dramatically green the energy portfolios and create thousands of new jobs.

Most recently an explosion of funding on research and development of wave power technologies has occurred. First commercial units are scheduled for year 2009 in Portugal and United States.

These researches confirm that wave power is a promising resource at about 10 miles off ocean beach. Technologies and environmental studies also prove it possible to ensure minimal impact on marine animals, fishing, shipping and recreational uses. Wave technology is advancing rapidly, promising great potential of clean and green energy.