Marine energy, also known as ocean energy, refers to the renewable energy derived from the ocean's natural movements, including tides, waves, and currents. Several technologies harness marine energy, such as tidal turbines, wave energy converters, and ocean thermal energy conversion systems. Tidal turbines operate similarly to wind turbines, capturing kinetic energy from tidal currents to generate electricity. Wave energy converters extract energy from the motion of waves, while ocean thermal energy conversion systems use temperature differences between surface and deep ocean waters to produce power.
Marine energy holds significant potential as a clean and sustainable energy source, offering benefits such as predictability, reliability, and minimal environmental impact. Unlike wind and solar energy, marine energy resources are more consistent and less affected by weather conditions, providing a reliable source of electricity generation. Additionally, marine energy technologies have the advantage of being located offshore, reducing land use conflicts and visual impacts associated with other renewable energy sources.