LETTERS: When renewable energy is mentioned, one often thinks of solar energy, hydroelectric dams and wind power.
It is no surprise that these technologies have taken centre stage. Solar energy is expected to be huge in Malaysia by 2050. Solar panels are becoming more affordable and efficient.
But it is crucial not to stop the search for other sources of renewable energy.
Wave energy has immense potential but is often overlooked.
The US Energy Information Administration says the theoretical annual energy potential of waves off the coasts of the country is an astonishing 2.64 trillion kilowatthours.
This figure is equivalent to about 64 per cent of US utility-scale electricity generation in 2021.
Researchers around the world are already exploring wave energy as a viable renewable resource. Notable institutions, such as the European Marine Energy Centre in Scotland, have been established to test ocean wave energy converters.
The PacWave South test site, located near the coast of Oregon, US, provides researchers with a platform to study wave energy and innovative technologies.
The University of Edinburgh's Institute for Energy Systems and the University of Exeter's Renewable Energy department are also researching converter technologies and assessing their integration into electricity grids.
Malaysia boasts an extensive coastline of 4,800km, which is an ideal environment to harness wave energy.
Power-generation figures may vary according to wave characteristics and technology efficiency. It is estimated that Malaysia's coastal areas can generate up to four times our electricity needs.
In investing in wave energy technology and infrastructure, we can diversify our renewable energy portfolio and reduce our carbon footprint.
DR ABBAS MOHAMMED ALI AL-GHAILI
Senior Lecturer, College of Computing & Informatics,
Researcher, Institute of Informatics and Computing in Energy
Universiti Tenaga Nasional