Blue power is the energy that is harnessed from the natural movements of the oceans.
Blue energy, sometimes called ocean energy, is a term for the method of generating electricity through the convergence of fresh and salt water. This energy can be extracted by a variety of means, including tidal energy, current energy, wave energy, thermal energy conversion, and osmosis. Energy can also be harvested by harnessing wind power associated with the body of water, usually the ocean.
One type of blue energy extracted by osmosis, also called outgoing gradient force, uses a large artificial semi-permeable membrane to create reverse electrodialysis from natural marine resources. The resulting energy can be used to generate electricity. The only byproduct is brackish water. Brackish water is simply a combination of fresh and salt water that occurs naturally in an estuary.
This type of energy is only useful in certain geographical areas. The only way to create blue energy beyond a laboratory is in an estuary, where freshwater currents and salt tides from the ocean meet at the mouth of the river. While the technology had long been understood, the membranes were too expensive to manufacture to become a practical energy alternative. Recently, more cost-effective membranes have been developed, which will allow blue energy technology to begin to be implemented in suitable environments.
In addition to blue energy when it comes to reverse electrodialysis, there is also a company called Blue Energy. This company also provides alternative energy, but their technology is a bit different. The energy generated by the company takes advantage of the currents of the tidal waters of the ocean through a turbine. The turbine is similar to a windmill, except that it works underwater. Harnessing ocean currents is more efficient and predictable than wind power, making it a good solution for coastal communities.
The environmental benefits of the company, as well as the blue energy, are priceless. As both technologies are renewable and do not emit greenhouse gases, the use of this energy whenever possible will help reduce global warming and other consequences caused by the burning of fossil fuels. Furthermore, blue energy does not take up as much space as power grids and ecosystems are not negatively affected as in mining and drilling, for example.