Ocean and Hydro Energy

Objectives:

Hydro energy is one of the oldest forms of renewable energy utilised to produce mechanical and electrical work. To better understand the potential of this energy resource, the local and global hydrological resource magnitude will be presented, as well as example hydro installations across the world and in Africa.

Ocean Energy: it is possible to extract energy from ocean waves, currents, tides, salinity- and temperature gradients and use it to generate electricity. In this section of the course the different ocean energy resources will be studied as well as the conversion technologies applicable to each. In addition, aspects such as resource measurement and assessment, technology readiness, environmental concerns and the economics of ocean energy projects will be addressed, with particular emphasis on the available resource along the South African coast.