Energy

Energy from the waves

Theoretically it is possible to convert at least five types of energy that are present in the sea: the current, the waves, the tides and the thermal gradient (temperature difference) between the surface and the floor.
At the moment there is only one power plant that exploits tides in France, while experiments are being made to exploit wave energy potential in the UK, in Norway and Japan and the thermal gradient in the United States. The European Union has just concluded a study that identifies almost 100 sites that could be used to produce electric energy from sea tides. In Italy the strait of Messina has been defined as one of the most promising sites.

Energy from the waves
The idea of exploiting the waves to obtain electric energy, although it creates some problems, stimulates engineers’ fantasy. Researchers are trying to concentrate the waves in order to increase their height and their potential conversion into electric energy. 
Other attempts try to use pressure variations that occur under the sea; some others use floats that “replicate” the wave  motion and convey it to the generators by means of hydraulic pistons.