Turkey is Breaking Ground on an Incredible Clean Energy Project
Turkey will soon be home to the world’s largest tidal power station! The 77 megawatt system will generate clean energy thanks to the endless power and generosity of the sea.
Eco Wave Power (EWP), a Swedish-based firm, will kick off this exciting new pilot project with a $150 million power station. If their proposed solution is successful, not only would it be Turkey’s first wave energy station, it would be the biggest in the world. But they won’t stop there. There are plans for a potential nine of these clean energy stations across the country.
What is Wave Energy?
Let’s back up a second and talk about what wave energy actually is. Wave energy is a type of renewable energy that can be used as an alternative to traditionally used fossil fuels. By harnessing the motion from ocean waves, it can generate electricity with absolutely no harmful emissions or waste.
However, it’s not that simple. Scientists have been working on perfecting wave energy for nearly 200 years! Like other renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, the amount of wave energy harnessed depends on wave height, speed, length and density – all of which are unpredictable. But thanks to advancements in technology and research, it is well on its way to being a dependable source of energy for larger cities.
In the case of Turkey’s wave energy station, the rising and falling motion of the waves will power hydraulic pistons that will be anchored to a structure, such as a seawall or jetty. This will then power a turbine on land which will send the 100% clean energy to the people of Turkey.
What are the benefits of wave energy?
There are many benefits to using wave energy as a source of power. Here are just a few:- Clean energy: Unlike fossil fuels, wave energy does not produce harmful emissions or contribute to climate change. This means that we can generate electricity without compromising the health of our planet.
- Reliable energy: The ocean is a vast and powerful force, and the waves it creates are extremely consistent. This means that wave energy can be a dependable source of electricity, even in areas where other renewable energy sources may not be as effective.
- Minimal land use: Wave energy systems can be placed in the ocean, which means they don’t take up valuable land space that could be used for other purposes.
- Job creation: As more and more countries invest in wave energy, it is creating new jobs in fields like engineering, manufacturing and maintenance. This can help boost local economies and improve people’s lives.
