Alternative electricity from marine-based renewable energy

MANILA, Philippines - Developing countries including the Philippines can utilize marine-based renewable energy technologies such as wind, wave and tidal range as an alternative power source.

A report titled “Green Economy in a Blue World” released by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) noted that developing countries particularly oil-importing ones can benefit from this alternative electricity supply to improve national and regional energy security, as well as water and food security when used directly from desalination. 

However, while the potential of marine-based renewable energy is huge, these technologies represent only one percent of all renewable energy production.

With the exception of offshore wind energy, installed capacity is unlikely to become significant until after 2020 due to the early stage of development of most technologies.  

With this, the report said countries should pour in greater investments in research and development in an effort to support technical advances and enable rapid progression in the sector.

“Current financial initiatives and investments are not sufficient to develop this potential. Investments in research and development are needed now to ensure that marine-based renewable energy delivers on its potential contribution to low-carbon energy security,” it noted.

The UNEP report also urged governments to map out consistent renewable energy policies, including specific targets for marine-based renewable energy where possible.

“To implement this, incentives such as grants, subsidies and tax credits are required to encourage private investments in the large, expensive infrastructure that is required to move from small prototypes to pilot plants,” it said.

Likewise, countries need to proactively guide developments to reduce potential for social, environmental and legal conflicts and promote synergies with other sectors.

Apart from the economic benefits of utilizing marine-based renewable energy, the report underscored the opportunities for green jobs in this area.      

“It can provide alternative employment opportunities particularly for maritime communities who were formerly reliant on fisheries or oil and gas production. Compared with thermal power generation, renewable energy has a higher labor intensity,” it said. – Philexport News and Features