Wave energy, like wind and solar energy, is a renewable energy source with no greenhouse gas emissions and offers sustainable utilization potential.
- Renewable Energy: A Key Driver of Vietnam’s Sustainable Development
- Wind Power: Danish Company Ørsted Reports €1.6 Billion in Impairments
- Canada Seeks Cooperation with Vietnam in Renewable Energy and Mining
Wave energy holds significant potential to provide part of the world’s clean energy supply, especially for countries with long coastlines. Vietnam is one such country, with over 3,260 km of coastline stretching from north to south and an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles (excluding island coastlines). It ranks 27th among 157 coastal countries, islands, and territories worldwide.
Wave energy is a form of renewable energy generated by the movement of ocean waves. As waves move across the water’s surface, they carry a large amount of energy that can be captured and converted into electricity through various technologies. A remarkable feature of this marine energy is its inexhaustibility—an untapped clean energy source that could reduce reliance on fossil fuels in the future. In fact, wave energy is often more reliable and advantageous than solar and wind power.
The International Energy Agency forecasts that the ocean energy sector will reach over 300 gigawatts by 2050. Many countries are already exploring and testing this promising energy resource. Europe and several other regions are encouraging the development of wave energy through policies and financial support.
Australia, surrounded by the ocean, is one of the pioneers in experimenting with this resource, leveraging its long coastline and powerful waves. The young wave energy sector is gradually becoming an essential part of the country’s renewable energy transition, potentially playing a key role in achieving net-zero emissions.
A report on wave energy in Australia, presented at the 2024 International Conference on Ocean Energy in Melbourne, highlights that, in addition to its natural potential, the country boasts world-class expertise in research, innovation, and technological development, along with a skilled workforce ready to accelerate the wave energy industry. Professor Hugh Wolgamot, director of the Blue Economy CRC project at the University of Western Australia, stated his goal of “placing wave energy at the forefront of the energy transition debate by showcasing its exceptional potential in Australia.”
Calling for immediate action to achieve net-zero emissions, Australia faces challenges related to policies, technology, and costs. Although it possesses immense potential, the country’s wave energy industry remains in an exploratory phase, focusing on developing energy-harvesting devices such as conversion chambers installed along the coast.
The Carnegie Clean Energy project on Australia’s west coast leads the way with technology capable of producing approximately 240 kW per experimental module, with a potential capacity of 10 MW or more in later phases. Other promising regions, such as New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania, are also conducting research and trials to harness this infinite green energy source.
Vietnam: An Endless Source of Clean Energy from the Ocean
Wave energy technologies generally use devices of various shapes and sizes, placed on the coastline or offshore, to harness wave motion and generate electricity.
Some notable technologies already in use include:
- Pelamis: A system of floating buoys connected together, placed in the water and moving with the waves.
- Oyster: A nearshore wave energy device that functions like a piston pump.
- Wave Energy Converter (WEC): A general term for devices designed to convert wave energy into electricity.
The key advantage of wave energy is its status as a renewable, non-polluting energy source. Compared to wind and solar energy, wave energy offers more stable electricity production, as waves are more consistent and powerful, particularly in coastal areas.
Wave energy projects can be deployed near offshore consumption areas, such as archipelagos, reducing electricity transport and distribution costs.
However, wave energy technology remains costly, both in terms of initial investment and maintenance. Designing and constructing these systems in harsh marine environments require advanced technologies and precise calculations to ensure durability and efficiency.
Vietnam has favorable conditions for developing these clean, inexhaustible energy projects. Due to its geographic characteristics and natural conditions, the Vietnamese coastline is not only long but also diverse, with many regions experiencing strong and consistent waves, such as Quang Ngai, Phu Yen, Binh Thuan, and southern provinces.
By investing in wave energy, Vietnam could strengthen its energy independence, reduce its carbon footprint, and support the transition toward a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
With the rapid growth of the economy and population, Vietnam faces an increasing energy demand. Moreover, the use of fossil fuels raises issues related to pollution and sustainable development. Consequently, renewable, green, and clean energy sources such as wind, solar, and wave energy are expected to play a major role in the national energy structure in the future.
Given that Vietnam’s climatic conditions can be unstable depending on the season, wave energy could effectively complement wind and solar energy to create a stable and diversified renewable energy system.
On February 11, 2020, Vietnam adopted Resolution No. 55-NQ/TW on the strategic orientation for national energy development until 2030, with a vision toward 2045. This reflects the government’s determination to ensure national energy security and provide a stable energy supply for socio-economic development. The resolution also emphasizes the need to establish innovative mechanisms and policies to encourage and accelerate the development of renewable energy in order to replace fossil fuels as much as possible.
It can be said that Vietnam has the « necessary conditions » with enormous potential to exploit and develop the wave energy industry. However, the « sufficient conditions » for this industry to take off require significant investments in research, experimentation, and technological deployment, as this energy could well be the next wave of renewable innovation and a key pillar of Vietnam’s energy strategy in the years to come.
Source: lecourrier
