Theoretical global ocean energy resource[2]
Capacity
(GW)
Annual gen.
(TW·h)
Form
5,000
50,000
Marine current power[3]
20
2,000
Osmotic power
1,000
10,000
Ocean thermal energy
90
800
Tidal energy
1,000—9,000
8,000—80,000
Wave energy
idal power is taken from the Earth's oceanic tides; tidal forces are periodic variations in gravitational attraction exerted by celestial bodies. These forces create corresponding motions or currents in the world's oceans
Because the Earth's tides are ultimately due to gravitational interaction with the Moon and Sun and the Earth's rotation, tidal power is practically inexhaustible and classified as a renewable energy resource
Because the Earth's tides are ultimately due to gravitational interaction with the Moon and Sun and the Earth's rotation, tidal power is practically inexhaustible and classified as a renewable energy resource