Harnessing the Power of Wind and Waves: A Sustainable Solution for Climate Change Mitigation
Key Ideas
- Wind and wave energy are highlighted as crucial for mitigating climate change due to their clean and sustainable nature.
- The paper analyzes global and regional availability of wind and wave energy resources, as well as their electricity production.
- Offshore wind is projected to play a significant role in meeting global renewable energy targets, with 1,000 GW capacity expected by 2050.
- Wave energy, though slower in development, has the potential for substantial growth, with an EU target of 40 GW capacity by 2050.
The paper delves into the importance of wind and wave energy in combating climate change by providing clean and sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. It discusses the reliability and predictability of marine energy sources for electricity generation across various sectors. The analysis covers global and regional assessments of wind and wave energy resources, emphasizing their stability in the face of climate change. Offshore wind is recognized for its rapid technological advancements, with a projected capacity of 1,000 GW by 2050 to align with the Paris Agreement goals. Similarly, wave energy holds promise, with the potential to develop 300 GW globally by 2050 and an EU target of 40 GW by 2050. The study utilizes different models to simulate past and future scenarios, evaluating the combined use of wind-wave technologies and addressing challenges like mechanical fatigue in offshore turbines. It also examines CMIP6 models for future climate scenarios and energy estimations, highlighting the significance of low-emission pathways. The analysis of wind and wave electrical production from 2015 to 2100 showcases decadal trends, positioning marine energy as a reliable long-term energy source.
Topics
Production
Renewable Energy
Climate Change
Sustainability
Energy Transition
Offshore Wind
Marine Energy
Renewable Energy Capacity
Wave Energy
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