Fundamentals of Ocean Renewable Energy

Chapter 6

Other Forms of Ocean Energy

Abstract

Although the focus of this book is tidal, offshore wind, and wave energy, and those topics have been covered in detail in the preceding three chapters, we also recognize that there are other forms of ocean energy. These are primarily ocean currents (specifically western boundary currents), ocean thermal energy conversion, and salinity gradient energy. These forms of ocean energy are introduced and discussed in limited detail in this chapter, in which we outline the main principles, technology types, commercial progress, potential environmental impacts, and challenges.

Keywords

Ocean currents; Ocean thermal energy conversion; Salinity gradient; Florida Current; Gulf Stream; Western boundary currents; ...