Malaysia eyes wave energy for electricity generation. (Photo: businesstoday.com.my) Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - When one mentions renewable energy, the mind often jumps tofamiliar sources like solar energy, hydroelectric dams, and wind power.However, Malaysia is seeking measures to turn wave energy for electricitygeneration.
As the country boasts an extensive coastlinespanning approximately 4,800 km, it provides an ideal environment forharnessing ocean wave energy. While specific power generation figures may varydepending on factors such as wave characteristics and technology efficiency,estimates suggest that Malaysia’s coastal areas have the capacity to generate asignificant amount of wave energy, potentially fulfilling one to four times thecountry’s electricity needs.
With dedicated research and development,Malaysia has a unique opportunity to tap into this renewable resource andcontribute to its energy transition towards a cleaner and more sustainablefuture. By investing in wave energy technologies and infrastructure, the countrycan diversify its renewable energy portfolio and reduce its carbon footprint toachieve net zero emissions.
The US Energy Information Administration(EIA) revealed a striking revelation: the theoretical annual energy potential ofwaves along the coasts of the US reaches an astonishing 2.64 trillionkilowatthours (kWh). This figure is equivalent to about 64 % of the total USutility-scale electricity generation in 2021, making it evident that wavespossess vast untapped power.
Around the world, researchers have already embarked on thejourney of exploring wave energy as a viable renewable resource. Notableinstitutions, such as the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Scotland,have been specifically established for testing ocean wave energy converters.Meanwhile, the PacWave South test site, located near the coast of Oregon, the US,provides researchers with a platform to study wave energy and test innovativetechnologies.
While the current installed wave energycapacity remains limited, with only 2.31MW in 2020 according to theInternational Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), it is crucial not tounderestimate the potential of this remarkable resource.
If countries around the world can jointlycommit and increase support for energy conversion research from ocean waves, itwill be a resource to create sustainable and efficient energy./.
