Ocean Energy for Electricity Generation and its Potential in India

Oceans cover almost 71% surface of earth. Waves carry enormous amount of energy within them. Tides generated due to gravitational force between earth and moon and partly between earth and sun help in generating high heads of water to harness pollution free energy. Due to high cost of generation and lack of enough research, this sustainable source of energy has not been fully exploited yet. Although the technology used in harnessing marine energy is considered as a threat to aquatic life, but suitable methods and focused research in this area can lead to take advantage of this abundant source of renewable energy. This will not only reduce the cost of generation but will have a great impact on reducing carbon foot-prints all around the world. This review paper discusses an overview of Ocean Energy in the world and its potential in India. It also discusses various impacts of marine energy technology on marine environment and its habitat. Wind energy is the maximum exploited source of renewable energy and solar energy is increasing its share with time in India. Tidal and ocean energy is still in experimentation stage. Inclusion of this source of green and sustainable energy can help India achieve its target of environmental obligation of reducing carbon foot-prints.