The Blue Economy emphasises using ocean resources in a sustainable manner to support economic growth, improve livelihoods, and maintain healthy marine ecosystems. A significant part of this approach involves renewable energy, which reduces reliance on fossil fuels while tapping into the vast potential of the oceans. Technologies like offshore wind, wave, and tidal energy are central to generating cleaner energy through marine resources.
One of the most advanced renewable energy sectors in the Blue Economy is offshore wind energy. Offshore wind farms, positioned at sea where wind speeds are higher and more consistent than on land, offer significant advantages. These turbines are larger and more efficient, enabling higher electricity production, particularly in regions with long coastlines and strong winds. Beyond energy generation, these farms contribute to the development of marine-based industries and technologies, reinforcing their importance in the Blue Economy.
Wave energy, while still developing, also holds promise as a renewable resource. Wave energy converters harness the movement of ocean waves to produce electricity, offering a constant and renewable power source. With ongoing technological improvements aimed at increasing efficiency and minimising environmental impacts, wave energy is becoming a viable option for sustainable energy production.
Tidal energy stands out for its predictability, driven by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun. This renewable energy source relies on systems like tidal stream turbines and tidal barrages to capture the movement of water during tidal cycles. Its consistency makes tidal energy a dependable contributor to the energy mix, adaptable across diverse coastal environments.
A key example of tidal energy innovation is the MeyGen Tidal Stream Energy Project, located in Scotland’s Pentland Firth. With a total planned capacity of 398MW, MeyGen is the world’s largest project of its kind. The first phase, operational since 2018, comprises four turbines generating 6MW of energy and has already produced over 51GWh of electricity. These turbines are installed using gravity-based foundations to minimise environmental disruption. MeyGen is committed to reducing ecological impacts through continuous monitoring.
Future phases of the project include plans for a commercial-scale tidal energy array, set to operate by 2027, with an additional 28MW of capacity. Subsequent expansions aim to scale the project to its full capacity, further demonstrating the feasibility and scalability of tidal energy as a sustainable energy solution.
The integration of renewable energy sources like offshore wind, wave, and tidal power into the Blue Economy highlights their potential to support sustainable development. Initiatives like the MeyGen project showcase how ocean resources can deliver clean, reliable energy, paving the way for a future less dependent on fossil fuels and more in harmony with marine ecosystems.
SAE Renewables Limited (LON:SAE) was founded in 2005 as a supplier of tidal stream turbines, SAE quickly grew to include development of tidal stream projects and is the majority owner of MeyGen, the world’s largest tidal stream energy project.
