The growth of the waves depends on the strength of the wind, its duration, and the open ocean distance (fetch) over which it blows

Ocean waves are created by surface winds.

8: One Megawatt of Wind Energy = 2,600 Fewer Tons of Carbon Dioxide So, with all the noise about clean energy, what kind of improvement are we really talking about with wind? Consider that every year 1MW of wind energy can offset approximately 2,600 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) [source: NREL], and the interest comes into focus. The simple math is less fossil fuel consumption equals less CO2. And measuring carbon reduction has become a key benchmark for monitoring the progress of alternative energy adoption.