Hydro
Marine Energy Plant
Devices that harvest tides, currents, or waves — and, conceptually, ocean thermal gradients.
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Labelled system
Explore in 3D
Original ENERGY ATLAS schematic. Interactive 3D is opt-in on this page.
Turbine, oscillating body, or heat exchanger.
Overview
Tidal barrages resemble low-head hydro. Tidal stream and current turbines sit in moving water. Wave devices use oscillating bodies or columns. OTEC uses the temperature difference between warm surface water and deep cold water. Harsh marine environments dominate cost.
How it works
Each device converts a hydrodynamic force into rotation or hydraulic power, then electricity. Mooring, corrosion protection, and grid cables are as important as the prime mover.
Components
Hydrodynamic converter
Turbine, oscillating body, or heat exchanger.
Mooring / foundation
Holds position in storms.
Keep exploring
Articles
Tidal Energy and Sea Wave Power
Tidal power plants use ebb-tide energy from turbines in the dam enclosing a tidal basin, while tidal stream generators are turbines anchored to the seabed.
3 min read
Marine Current Power and Ocean Thermal Energy
Energy contained in ocean currents can be exploited by various underwater turbines or by an OTEC system that uses ocean temperature differences.
3 min read