2025.04.13

The power generated by the fluctuations of the waves! Unraveling the mysteries of wave power generation

vibration

Wave power generation, the energy produced by the mystery of the sea, is now attracting attention.

The oceans cover about 70% of the earth's surface. The technology that converts the power of the waves that constantly crash into the ocean into electricity has the potential to pave the way for a sustainable future.

Wave power generation is expected to be a new pillar of renewable energy following wind and solar power, and various technologies are being developed rapidly.
How can we efficiently capture the energy of the waves and supply them stably?

What kind of mechanism is hidden in this technology? In this article, we will explain the basic principles of wave power generation and the latest technologies, and explore its possibilities and challenges.

How will wave power change our daily lives?
Let's touch on the secret of the energy created by the rhythm of the waves.

Article Contents

How does wave power work?
Advantages and disadvantages of wave power generation
Current status of wave power generation in the world and in Japan
Technological innovation for the future of wave power
Impact of Wave Power Generation on Local Communities

How does wave power work?

Mechanism that harnesses the energy of waves

Wave power generation is a renewable energy technology that uses wave energy on the surface of the sea to generate electricity. Taking advantage of the up-and-down motion of ocean waves and the back-and-forth sway, electricity is generated by rotating turbines and motors. Due to this mechanism, wave power generation is attracting attention because it is environmentally friendly and is expected to provide a stable energy supply. In particular, by incorporating cutting-edge wave energy technology, it is becoming possible to generate electricity even more efficiently.

Differences between wave power and other renewable energies

Unlike solar and wind power generation, wave power generation is characterized by the use of the sustained kinetic energy of waves. Especially at sea, waves are constantly generated, so stable power generation can be expected. Another advantage is the high power generation efficiency per area. Theoretically, the energy efficiency of wave power is about 5 times that of wind power and about 10 times that of solar power. It can also be combined with other renewable energies to further enhance the stability of the energy supply.

Basic structure and main technical elements

The basic structure of wave power includes a device that efficiently absorbs the energy of the waves, a turbine that converts energy into electricity, and the infrastructure for connecting the resulting power to the power grid. Specifically, methods such as the oscillating water column type, the movable object type, the wave-overing type, and the gyro type are adopted, and each is operated by taking advantage of its different characteristics. Recently, technological advances have led to miniaturization and higher efficiency of these systems, and the structure has been optimized using cutting-edge wave energy technology.

Applicability of wave power in the marine environment

The applicability of wave power is highly dependent on the characteristics of the marine environment. It is considered optimal to be in an area where the height of the wave is relatively constant and strong wave energy can be obtained. For example, in Europe's North Sea and the Indian Ocean coast, there have been successful wave power pilot projects. In addition, Japan is surrounded by the sea on all sides, and a stable supply of waves is expected, so it can be said that the potential for introduction is high. On the other hand, there is a need for research on the impact on marine ecosystems and to ensure the safety of wave power generation facilities.

Advantages and disadvantages of wave power generation

Reduction of environmental impact and energy efficiency

Wave power is an environmentally friendly renewable energy source that does not emit carbon dioxide (CO2). It does not require fossil fuels because it utilizes the enormous energy of waves, and it can be said that it is an extremely effective option from the perspective of global warming countermeasures. In addition, wave energy has a very high power generation efficiency per unit area compared to wind power generation and solar power generation. Specifically, it is theoretically possible to achieve energy efficiency about 5 times that of wind power generation and about 10 times that of solar power. In this way, it is attracting attention for its ability to efficiently use the stable energy of the up-and-down motion of the waves.

Installation Costs and Maintenance Challenges

On the other hand, wave power generation also has the issue of high installation costs. In order to install power generation equipment, it is necessary to have a highly durable device and foundation structure that can adapt to the marine environment, and a huge investment is required to develop and install them. In addition, due to the nature of operations at sea, there are concerns about salt damage and wear of equipment, and the reality is that maintenance costs to deal with these are also high. Therefore, how to reduce costs has become an important theme for the spread of wave power generation.

How to minimize impact on marine ecosystems

When installing wave power generation equipment, it is also necessary to consider the impact on the marine ecosystem. Careful selection of locations and methods of installation is required to ensure that the equipment does not alter the habitat of fish and other marine life. For example, it is essential to cooperate with fishermen and conduct surveys of fishing grounds so that the installation of wave power generation equipment does not affect the fishing industry. In addition, it is recommended to use materials that are harmless to marine life in the generator set. This makes it possible to protect the marine environment and realize renewable energy at the same time.

Value for money compared to other energy sources

Wave power generation is very good in terms of high power generation efficiency per area, but there are still challenges in terms of cost performance. For example, compared to wind and solar power, the current technology has high installation and maintenance costs, and the hurdles to commercialization are high. However, the development of cutting-edge technologies for wave energy has reduced the cost of installation and maintenance. In addition, wave power, which can achieve stable power generation, has the potential to play a complementary role to other renewable energies, and future technological innovations are expected to improve cost performance.

Current status of wave power generation in the world and in Japan

Advanced wave power projects around the world

Wave power generation is one of the renewable energies that is attracting attention around the world, and advanced projects are being promoted in various countries. NEMOS of Germany is testing power generation technology using wave energy at sea in Belgium and is developing an efficient wave power generation system. In France, one of Europe's largest wave power generation facilities is scheduled to be built in the Normandy region, and we are aiming for large-scale commercial operation after completion. Furthermore, in India, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras is playing a central role in the development of advanced marine wave power generation equipment. The project aims to generate 1 megawatt of energy over three years, which also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals. In this way, wave power generation is attracting attention as a technology that opens up the "cutting edge of wave energy" in countries around the world.

History and Initiatives of Wave Power Generation in Japan

Japan has played an important role in the history of wave power. The world's first practical wave power generation device was developed by the Japan Coast Guard of Japan in 1965. This innovative system laid the foundation for technology that harnesses the energy of waves. Subsequently, in 2016, Japan's first commercial wave power generation facility was installed in Kuji City, Iwate Prefecture, and the Institute of Industrial Science of the University of Tokyo provided overall guidance for this project. In addition, in recent years, a new wave power generation facility is scheduled to be installed in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and further expectations are high for the spread of wave power generation in Japan. Taking advantage of Japan's long coastline and stable wave environment, wave power generation has the potential to become a pillar of renewable energy.

Examples of major wave power generation systems

Currently, various types of systems have been developed for wave power. The oscillating water column type is a mechanism that uses compressed air compressed by the vertical motion of the wave to rotate the turbine, and is relatively easy to install. On the other hand, the movable object type is a technology that converts the movement of waves into the power of an object as it is, and is suitable for small-scale facilities. In addition, the wave-overing type utilizes the water flow generated when the wave crosses the facility, and is expected to be very efficient. In addition, the gyro type is a method that moves a rotating body by the swaying of the waves, which leads to power generation, making it a highly unique technology. These wave power systems are designed to handle a wide range of ocean conditions and will be an important means of supporting the energy supply of the future.

The potential of future wave power generation

The potential of wave power generation is enormous, and it has the potential to become an important pillar of future energy policy for many maritime nations, including Japan. Current technological innovations are making power generators smaller and more efficient, and they are expected to be used in more places. In addition, by combining AI and IoT technologies, systems that manage equipment in real time and maximize power generation efficiency are also being introduced. In addition, the development of cost-saving technologies and advances in materials engineering to enable highly durable power generation sets may accelerate the introduction of wave power. In this way, wave power generation has enormous potential as the "cutting edge of wave energy" that will lead the future of the renewable energy market.

Technological innovation for the future of wave power

Latest technological developments aimed at miniaturization and efficiency

As wave power generation technology continues to evolve, efforts aimed at miniaturization and efficiency are attracting attention. The miniaturization of wave power generators not only makes them usable in coastal areas where installation locations are limited, but also reduces costs. In addition, by improving efficiency, it is expected to increase the amount of power generated per unit and enhance its position as a cutting-edge technology for wave energy. Specific technological developments include the use of lighter and more durable materials and the design of unique turbines that make the most of wave movement.

Evolution of wave power generation systems using AI and IoT

The incorporation of AI and IoT technologies into wave power generation is enabling efficient operation and maintenance. A control system has been developed that analyzes the movement of waves in real time using AI to maintain optimal power generation efficiency, and IoT sensors monitor the status of equipment to prevent problems. This not only improves the efficiency of power generation, but also improves the life and stability of the equipment. These technologies are believed to drive the realization of futuristic and smart wave power systems.

Advances in Materials Engineering and Prospects for Wave Power Generation

Advances in materials engineering have greatly expanded the possibilities of wave power generation. The development of lightweight, corrosion-resistant materials contributes to increasing the durability of wave power generators and extending their operating life. In addition, research is underway on new materials using special shape memory alloys and nanotechnology for efficient wave energy conversion. As a result, wave power generation is expected to penetrate society as an increasingly realistic and sustainable energy source.

New Ways to Leverage Smart Grid Integration

In order to make the most efficient use of wave power generation, integration with smart grids is key. A smart grid is a system that balances the supply and demand of electricity in real time and effectively distributes the energy generated. Since wave power generation has the characteristics of being able to generate stable electricity, it can be incorporated into smart grids to quickly meet the demand for household and industrial power. Such innovations are expected to increase the energy self-sufficiency rate of the region and contribute to the realization of a more sustainable society.

Impact of Wave Power Generation on Local Communities

Energy Self-Sufficiency and Regional Revitalization

Wave power has the potential to achieve energy self-sufficiency in coastal areas. A power generation system that takes advantage of wave fluctuations can enable a stable power supply and significantly reduce the energy dependence of the region. This technology is also attracting attention as a trump card for regional revitalization, and is expected to have a significant social impact, especially on remote islands and remote areas where the power supply is unstable. In addition, if the introduction of wave power generation progresses, it is expected that the lives of residents will be enriched by formulating energy policies unique to the region.

Creation of employment opportunities through wave power generation

With the spread of wave power generation, there will be a demand for labor in charge of installation, operation, and maintenance. This will create new employment opportunities in the local community and revitalize the local economy. In addition, the demand for engineers and researchers increases during the development and research phases, making it possible to provide the younger generation with the option of local employment. In particular, being able to be involved in cutting-edge wave energy technology can also make the region a hub for technological innovation.

Wave power generation facilities as a tourism resource

Wave power generation facilities are also attracting attention as a tourism resource. Equipment with unique shapes and movements can be interesting to visitors. In particular, as interest in renewable energy increases, it is thought that the promotion of the tourism industry will greatly contribute to the promotion of the tourism industry if tours of wave power generation facilities are planned as part of ecotourism. The attached museum and exhibition facilities can also provide educational value to visitors by introducing the mechanism of wave power.

Educational Effects of Wave Power Generation

The wave power generation facility will also serve as a place for environmental education for children who will lead the next generation. By coming into contact with the mechanism of wave power generation and the cutting-edge technology of wave energy, we will provide an opportunity to become interested in renewable energy. In addition, by touring the actual facility, you can realize the power generation process and the importance of energy.

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