Utilization of tidal current and wave energy help the implement of the carbon emissions peak and carbon neutrality strategy in China

Abstract

Abstract The resources of ocean energy including the wave energy, the tidal range energy, the tidal current energy, the Ocean Thermal Energy, the salinity gradient energy and the offshore wind energy are abundant in China. The paper introduces the tidal current and wave energy for their relative high technology readiness level. The technical potential just in the coastal area is more than 70 GW with additional potential in remote sea areas. The utilization of marine renewable energy resources provides a potential and essential road to reach the reduction of the carbon emission. According to the national strategy, such as the Renewable Energy Law implemented from 2006 and revised in 2010, the special fund program for ocean energy was established from 2010 and has advanced the progress of ocean energy technology research, development and demonstration since then. The ocean energy technologies achieved rapid development under the support of the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Finance and so on. The accumulated installed capacity of ocean energy is leading internationally, but the industry is still in a low level. The carbon emissions peak and carbon neutrality strategy put forward in China requires the transition to green electricity, which also provides crucial opportunity for the development of marine renewable energy resources. The paper introduces the status of tidal current and wave energy technology and industry in China. Then, the problems and opportunities are analysed. The potential of utilization of tidal current and wave energy is estimated to support carbon emission reduction. Finally, the vision and main tasks are given.