Ocean-based carbon dioxide removal makes a lot of sense. The oceans are already carbon sinks that absorb about 30% of global carbon emissions. And the concentration of CO2 is higher in water than in air. Caitlin McDermott-Murphy at NREL looks at a new study of the technologies under development, and the opportunities for offshore wind and wave energy to power it. There are nature-based solutions like vast seaweed or algae farms. There are also … [Read more...]
Wave Energy: how variable geometry designs can raise conversion efficiency
Wave energy is another renewable technology waiting to break through. One main challenge is that about 35%–50% of WEC (wave energy converter) costs come from the device structure alone. Researchers at NREL are experimenting with variable geometry, changing the shape of the WEC so that in more energetic seas the structural loads are controlled. In turbulent seas the excess load can easily be shed, while when the seas are quiet the maximum energy … [Read more...]