Page - 143 - in Water, Energy, and Environment - A Primer

Utilization of wave energy is not a new concept. The first patent for use of energy from oceanwaves was issued in 1799 in Paris, andmanymore patents were issued in the subsequent century. TheOPEC cutoff of oil supplies in 1973–74 triggered renewed interest in wave energy, which dissipated quickly in themid-1980s when oil prices fell below $10 per barrel. More recently, as global change became a focus of attention, and oil prices rose, interest in all forms of non-traditional energy has grown, includingwave energy. WEC devices are usually characterized by how the energy is captured, and today includes such names as the Salter duck, point absorber buoy, oscillating wave surge converter, oscillatingwater column, and submergedpressure differential. 8.7.1.2 Potential andprosandcons What is wave energy’s potential? The kinetic energy in wave motion is significant. According to the Ocean Energy Council Figure 8.18WEC concept and demonstration unit (Source: Pelamis WavePowerLtd.). Renewableenergy 143