研究成果 En

Exploring Kuroshio Energy Hotspots: A Site Selection Revolution Led by Drifting Buoys

As the world moves toward carbon neutrality and a sustainable society, breakthroughs in clean, renewable energy technologies are critical. Ocean currents, with their immense kinetic energy and stable flow rates, are emerging as a key force in the energy transition. However, there is still a lack of in-depth research on how to accurately select sites to maximize the efficiency of ocean current power generation. This study utilizes data from drifting buoy observations, focusing on potential sites in the southeastern and northeastern seas of Taiwan. It establishes a correlation model between current velocity and capacity factor, laying a solid foundation for evaluating power generation potential and costs at these sites. 

Previous studies have relied on ocean current numerical models, which tend to underestimate the actual extractable energy. Our observational data reveal that the kinetic power density of the Kuroshio main current in the southeastern waters of Taiwan is approximately 70% higher than the values predicted by mainstream numerical models. This highlights the region’s exceptional potential for ocean current power generation. This observation-based, precision site selection method not only establishes a more reliable technical pathway for ocean current energy development but also outlines a high-efficiency, sustainable blueprint for large-scale deployment and cost-benefit analysis in the future.

Chang, Y.-C., C.-R. Wu*, P. C. Chu, Y.-L. Wang, L. R. Centurioni, G.-Y. Chen, and R.-S. Tseng (2025): Underestimated Kuroshio power and its potential sites off Southeast Taiwan. Applied Energy. [SCI; IF:10.1]