By Jane Marsh

The kinetic energy of ocean waves is a promising source of renewable energy, resulting in a lower environmental impact than traditional and other renewable sources. 

Waves are created when the wind interacts with the ocean’s surface. Waves are also created by swells. Thus, global wave energy varies by region and is influenced by factors such as wind patterns and local conditions. The coastlines of the United States, particularly the West Coast, along with those of Europe, Japan and New Zealand, hold tremendous potential for harnessing wave energy. The estimated annual wave energy potential off the U.S. coast alone is as high as 2.64 trillion kWh, equivalent to 64 percent of the total U.S. electricity generated in 2021.

Nanogenerator Technology

A nanogenerator is a tiny device that converts small movements into electricity. Nanogenerators efficiently convert wave motion into electrical energy. They can be scaled down or integrated into various devices, offering application flexibility.

Recent nanogenerator technologies include triboelectric and piezoelectric designs that transform mechanical stress into electricity. Examples include Zhong Lin Wang’s pioneering work on triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s contact-separation TENG to harvest wave energy.

Applications for nanogenerators include powering remote maritime sensors and monitoring systems for better data collection. They can also charge electronic devices on ships and offshore platforms, providing sustainable energy at sea.

Nanogenerators offer a promising way to tap into ocean wave power for energy.

Learn more here.

Jane Marsh is the net-zero features editor at Environment.co.