It was a brisk winter morning in the coastal town of Maizuru, Japan, when 80-year-old Emiko Nakamura boarded her trusty fishing boat, the “Sea Dragon.” For decades, Emiko had braved the harsh seas, reeling in the day’s catch for her family’s small restaurant. But on this particular morning, she felt a sense of excitement and hope. The town had just installed a revolutionary new system: an underwater turbine that harnessed the kinetic energy of the ocean currents to generate electricity. As the turbine hummed to life, Emiko watched as the lights of the restaurant flickered back on, no longer reliant on the town’s aging diesel generators.
Learn more: The Paris Agreement: A Symbol of Global Progress, or a Hollow Shell of Empty Promises?
This innovative technology, known as ocean energy harvesting, is transforming the way we think about power generation. By tapping into the relentless energy of the ocean, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, mitigate climate change, and create new economic opportunities for coastal communities.
The potential of ocean energy harvesting is vast. The world’s oceans cover over 70% of our planet, with some estimates suggesting that the combined energy potential of ocean tides, waves, and currents could meet up to 10% of the world’s electricity demand. And yet, the technology is still in its infancy, with only a handful of commercial-scale projects operational worldwide.
Learn more: "Healing the Planet, One Agreement at a Time: Celebrating the Progress of the Paris Climate Accord"
One of the pioneers in this field is Verdant Power, a renewable energy company that has been working on a tidal energy project off the coast of New York City. Their system uses submerged turbines to capture the energy of the East River’s tidal currents, providing clean power to local homes and businesses.
“It’s an incredible feeling to know that our technology is helping to reduce carbon emissions and create jobs in a community that needs them,” says Emily Malina, Verdant Power’s CEO. “We’re not just talking about a new source of energy – we’re talking about a new way of living.”
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, ocean energy harvesting offers a beacon of hope. By leveraging the untapped potential of our oceans, we can create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
For Emiko Nakamura, the benefits of ocean energy harvesting are already tangible. Her restaurant’s electricity costs have plummeted, and the town has become a model for sustainable development. As she sets out to sea once more, she knows that the future is bright – and powered by the relentless tides of the ocean.
