Gold rush mood with a view of the oceans: Researchers and developers want to make the ocean the source of energy and raw materials of the future. In the September issue, Bild der Wissenschat reports on relevant concepts as well as the opportunities and risks involved in “reaching for the sea”. Efforts to redress the marine litter problem are also the focus of the title topic.
Humans have been using the oceans for thousands of years – but modern technologies are now opening up new uses that go beyond fishing and shipping. The focus is on one aspect that is reflected in the force of the waves and currents as well as in the tides: the inexhaustible energy of the water masses. It is hoped that this source could be tapped against the background of efforts to achieve greater sustainability. So far, the potential has not been used very much – but now, following the first small prototypes of wave or flow power plants, larger systems are planned.
The bdw author Rainer Kurlemann reports in the article “The Power of Waves” in the three-part title topic what potential these technologies have as a source of energy and what hurdles still need to be overcome. For example, he presents concepts in which energy is obtained from the movement of water in order to generate electricity on floating islands. In general, an important advantage over wind or solar power is that electricity can be generated continuously through marine energy generation. Regions with strong tidal differences are particularly attractive, according to the article.
Usage options as well as reparation potential
In addition to energy, the sea also has more tangible treasures to offer: gigantic quantities of raw materials slumber in the depths of the oceans. The bdw author Martin Angler deals with the subject of deep-sea mining in the sub-article “Ore rush on the seabed”: He reports on the concepts and research into the possible consequences for the ecosystems in the sea. The focus is on the planned mining of so-called manganese nodules, which are located on the ocean floor in the Pacific, for example. In addition to manganese, they contain other raw materials that are very popular in industry. On land, their dismantling often has nasty consequences. However, this could also apply to the planned deep-sea mining, reports Angler.
The bdw author Hartmut Netz focuses on an already gigantic environmental damage in the article “Help for the Plastic Sea”: More and more rubbish is accumulating in the world’s oceans and threatens the marine environment with potentially far-reaching consequences. Netz reports on the search for ways to remove the plastic residues from the water. Bacteria and autonomous garbage collectors are supposed to counter the problem near the coast.
You will find the cover topic “Reaching for the Sea” in the September issue of bild der Wissenschaft, which will be available in stores from August 17, 2021.