Researchers propose house-sized buoy arrays to capture 90% of ocean wave energy

Researchers from Germany and Australia have developed a theoretical model for capturing ocean wave energy using arrays of house-sized, interconnected buoys. By utilizing a 60-buoy configuration, the team suggests that up to 90% of wave energy could be converted into power, even when wave directions vary. Each buoy is individually tuned to a specific resonance frequency, acting like a child on a swing to maximize energy absorption. The system functions as a sieve, ensuring that waves missed by one buoy are captured by another. While the study indicates that each buoy could potentially power several hundred households, the researchers emphasize that the project remains in the simulation phase. Significant challenges regarding installation costs and maintenance must be addressed through future field testing before this technology can become a viable, large-scale renewable energy solution.