Harnessing Power from Ocean: India’s Potential and Challenges
摘要
Power generation in India has received considerable attention in recent years, particularly during the last two to three decades, as there had been a steady increase in the energy demand, mainly to cater to the need for rapid industrialization and related developments. In the present condition wherein the fast depletion of fossil fuels is being witnessed across the globe, the use of a renewable source of energy is a viable alternative. Considering the fact that 70% of the earth’s surface is covered with water, and oceans contribute to 97% of this, the generation of power from oceans has vast potential. The different forms of renewable energy that are available from oceans include tidal energy, wave energy, ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC), offshore wind energy, salinity gradient energy, marine currents, marine bio-mass conversion, etc. Harnessing ocean energy in its various forms is an accepted policy of the Government of India; however, there are inherent limitations. This chapter discusses India’s vast potential for renewable ocean energy, technological and other limitations including the cost to harness it, and the future prospects.