Marine energy
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Did you know? There is more than 5000 times the world's current energy usage in the oceans and the energy just from the waves is double the world's current energy usage!
There are several ways we can harness the motion of the ocean. Technologies have been developed to capture the energy of tides, waves and ocean thermals.
Given the vast coastline around Australia, this is a very attractive source of clean energy!
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Tidal Energy
The pull of the Moon and the Sun creates the ocean tides twice a day, and this movement of water can be 'farmed' to collect energy. Take a look at this Australian invention
The tides move huge amounts of water and most of the Australian population lives near the coastline, so we are potentially living right on top of a clean and reliable source of energy.
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Wave Energy
The Victorian government has recently invested $5 million in an ocean wave trial system in Port Fairy with a company called bioWAVE.
Movement of large sea plants under the waves inspired the new system, and having tested it on land, bioWAVE is now to be tested 30 metres under water in a rough ocean.
Energy generated by the movement of the panels will be linked back to land as electricity, with a high voltage cable.
The head of bioWAVE, Dr Finnigan, says the design will generate a constant source of energy at a very competitive price.
Ocean Thermal Energy
Oceans make up nearly 80 per cent of the Earth's surface - and they are a MASSIVE source of energy and they also absorb heat from the sun...
Deep tropical waters offer possibilities for energy to be collected from ocean thermals - the difference between deep, cold ocean water and warm, surface water.
Some researchers are very excited about the potential of ocean thermal energy because it can provide a strong, continuous supply of energy.
The bigger the difference in temperature between the cold and the warm, the bigger the energy supply that can be produced, which is why places like Hawaii are showing interest in this technology.
- Fact Sheet - Ocean Power
- Marine Energy Profile - Clean Energy Council
- Wave, Ocean & Tidal Power - Ecocitizen
Fact sheet
Have a look at these fact sheets if you would like to know more about harvesting energy from the oceans.
We asked Australian students to make a video or convince us in writing about their BIG ideas for a sustainable energy future.
Check out the fantastic videos we received, all about sustainable energy solutions!
VIEW THE GALLERY OF ENTRIES
Explore the fascinating science edging us closer to low carbon living. This fun, flexible project includes easy-to-use ICT, oodles of resources and FREE lesson plans from CSIRO Education.
Links to Australian curriculum, plus NAPLAN rehearsal.
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