The vastness of the oceans, covering nearly 71% of the Earth’s surface, represents an untapped treasure trove of energy resources that could revolutionize the way we generate power. Among the various renewable energy sources available, ocean energy is emerging as a crucial player in the race towards sustainable energy solutions. With components like tidal energy, wave energy, ocean thermal energy, and salinity gradient energy, the potential for harnessing these forms of energy is significant. Recently, China has made headlines with ambitious plans to scale up its ocean energy exploitation by 2030, setting the stage for a transformative shift in its energy landscape.

The Chinese government, through its Ministry of Natural Resources, has laid out a clear strategy to expand the utilization of ocean energy. According to reports, the country aims to achieve an installed capacity of 400,000 kilowatts of ocean energy by 2030. This initiative is not merely about increasing numbers; it’s about creating multi-energy complementary systems for island areas and establishing demonstration projects to showcase the feasibility and effectiveness of ocean energy technologies. The vision is to cultivate competitive enterprises capable of spearheading technological advancements in ocean energy.

During a press conference, Gu Wu, the Director-General of the Strategic Economic Department at the Ministry, highlighted that the development of ocean energy is pivotal in alleviating power shortages faced by remote islands and coastal regions. He emphasized that establishing a novel energy system and advancing the maritime economy are crucial goals for the nation. This ambition aligns perfectly with China's broader goal of becoming a maritime power, one that can leverage ocean resources more effectively and sustainably.

Central to this initiative is the need for comprehensive surveys and assessments of ocean energy resources across China’s extensive coastline, measuring approximately 18,000 kilometers. By understanding resource distribution and potential, the government aims to create a robust database and service platform that can guide effective utilization planning. Coastal provinces are being encouraged to integrate ocean energy considerations into their spatial and land-use planning, thereby encouraging sustainable development while safeguarding ecological standards.

Specific plans are in place to target the deployment of tidal energy projects, especially in regions rich in tidal resources. This aligns with a broader strategy that recognizes the potential of tidal energy as a green supplement to the power supply of coastal communities. For instance, significant focus is placed on developing multi-megawatt tidal energy projects that can substantially contribute to the electricity needs of nearby islands, presenting a viable alternative to conventional fossil fuels.

Wave energy, another critical component of ocean energy, is set for large-scale implementation as well. China has made strides in this area, with existing wave energy generators like those located in Zhoushan and Changshan leading the charge. The plan for the next phase includes the construction of megawatt-level wave energy pilot projects and integrating them into offshore wind farms, which can drive further capacity and encourage innovative approaches to energy generation. The development encourages a holistic approach, where islands can benefit from stable and sustainable energy supply, enhancing their energy security.

Moreover, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has pledged to foster innovation in ocean energy technologies, aiming for breakthroughs in core technologies that can lead to better efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This includes bolstering research on cutting-edge technologies and facilitating technological iterations to enhance operational reliability and maintenance ease, alongside efforts to reduce construction and operational costs. The ultimate goal is to enable a vibrant ecosystem around ocean energy equipment, enhancing the economic viability of ocean energy projects.

It is noteworthy that pilot projects for tidal energy generation are already showing promising results. For example, in Wenzhou, the Jiangxia tidal experimental station has surpassed one billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, showcasing the technical feasibility of ocean energy development. Such successes demonstrate not only the practicality of ocean energy methodologies but also a significant step toward larger-scale implementation across the nation.

As coastal provinces witness rapid economic growth, the demand for electricity—particularly clean energy—has skyrocketed. Take Shanghai, for example: in 2023, electricity consumption reached a staggering 156.44 billion kilowatt-hours. While the share of clean energy is on the rise, the growing demand indicates much room for improvement. Since ocean energy resources are located close to key consumption centers, their implementation can significantly reduce transmission losses and provide a reliable local power supply.

Additionally, the technological advancements in ocean energy harnessing methods, such as the newly developed wave power devices, have greatly improved energy conversion efficiencies. The ripple effect of such advancements extends beyond just energy supply; they promise to resolve regional electricity deficits while simultaneously playing a pivotal role in transitioning to a new energy framework. The successful establishment of offshore wind projects in tandem with ocean energy technology not only ensures reliable energy supply but also propels the growth of related industries, fostering economic expansion.

Looking towards the future, the prospect for ocean energy in China appears bright. As technology continues to advance and costs decrease, the role of ocean energy is anticipated to become increasingly integral to China’s energy system. Balancing growth alongside environmental sustainability, this approach will undoubtedly contribute towards achieving the nation's “dual carbon” goals—reducing carbon emissions while simultaneously increasing the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix.