Merlin energy U S Outlying Islands

What if we tapped all the marine energy we can access?

But if we tapped all the marine energy we can access, that power would equate to almost 60% of the United States' annual electricity needs. For example, tidal energy in Alaska's Cook Inlet could power the entire state.

Could islands cut ties with the fossil fuel industry?

Many islands have access to abundant wind, solar, hydro, tidal, biofuel, or geothermal energy resources and could significantly cut ties with the fossil fuel industry.

Why do small island states have a unique economic and ecological vulnerability?

Small Island states share a number of unique economic and ecological vulnerabilities. Islanders depend heavily on the resources of an inherently limited environment, and any resources not provided by the island (fuel, food, labor, etc.) must be imported at great expense (Ewing-Chow 2020).

Is marine energy a good investment?

Marine energy is both predictable and dependable. The ocean is always moving, making it an ideal member of the renewable energy team. As a bonus, at night when the sun sets and winds tend to slow, as well as during seasonal dips in solar energy and wind energy, marine energy is often at its most powerful.

Why are island communities so vulnerable?

Islands also experience some of the highest energy costs and resource insecurity and are often home to important and unique ecosystems. These ecosystems can be extremely vulnerable to the existing energy infrastructure serving island communities.

How can marine energy be created?

Marine energy can be created in the ocean but also in rivers, lakes, streams, estuaries, and more. Marine energy means energy generated from: Changes in water temperature. How Can We Make Energy From Moving Water? Unlike rivers, which mostly move in one direction, oceans heave up and down, surge back and forth, and even swirl in circles.