Marine energy manifests itself in terms of saline gradient, ocean thermal gradient, tides, currents and waves.
WAVE POWER
Wave power is produced by the effect of the wind on the surface of the sea. The Bay of Biscay, with winds that generate waves of up to three metres on average, has great energy potential for Euskadi.
TIDES AND CURRENTS
The energy from tides and currents uses masses of water and the currents created between high and low tide marks. Large drops in the level or strong currents are required for these techniques to be applied.
OCEAN THERMAL ENERGY
This energy is produced by the temperature difference between the surface of the sea and the sea bed. The technique can only be used in very deep seas that are exposed to a high number of sunshine hours throughout the year.
SALINE GRADIENT ENERGY
The energy that can be used by the saline gradient occurs through the different salinity of different masses of water. This usually takes place in large estuaries.