Chapter 1.1 - Introduction and definition of wave energy

Harnessing energy from the ocean is becoming increasingly important as the world shifts toward renewable energy sources to meet growing energy demands while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The ocean’s energy is abundant and infinite, making it an attractive source for power production. One of the most promising ways to harness energy from the ocean is through wave energy converters, which convert the kinetic energy of ocean waves into electricity. There are various types of wave energy converters being researched globally to improve the performance of existing concepts. The aim of this study is to present the main concept of wave energy and its related aspects. The chapter presents the advantages and disadvantages of wave energy and highlights the factors impeding its commercialization. The study also evaluates various technologies captured in literature and their technological approaches. Despite the promise of wave energy converters, there are several challenges that need to be addressed before they can be widely commercialized. One of the biggest challenges is the high cost of construction and maintenance, which makes wave energy more expensive than other forms of renewable energy. Another challenge is the variability of wave energy, which can affect the reliability and consistency of power generation.