European countries with strong Atlantic swells, including Spain, France, and Ireland, are emerging as key players in harnessing wave energy, one of the world’s largest untapped renewable resources.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), ocean power generation needs to grow by 33% annually to help achieve global net-zero targets by 2050. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates wave energy could generate up to 29,500 terawatt-hours (TWh) per year—nearly ten times Europe’s annual electricity consumption.

“Wave and tidal energy have the potential to be significant, reliable, and sustainable power sources,” said José Miguel Rodrigues, a senior research scientist at SINTEF, one of Europe’s largest research institutes. Unlike wind and solar, tidal energy is governed by predictable gravitational cycles, providing a steady electricity supply that helps balance the grid.

A breakthrough in wave energy technology comes from Swedish company CorPower Ocean. Inspired by the pumping mechanism of the human heart, cardiologist Dr. Stig Lundbäck co-founded the company in 2009. Their ‘CorPack’ wave energy converter—a lightweight buoy—converts the up-and-down motion of waves into rotational energy, which is then transformed into electricity. According to CorPower Ocean, the device produces five times more electricity per tonne of equipment compared to previous technologies.

“CorPower has steadily progressed through development stages, securing investment and research grants, particularly from the EU,” Rodrigues noted. The company’s first full-scale wave energy converter is currently deployed off Portugal’s northern coast near Aguçadora, where it is supplying power to the national grid.

Other innovators are also making strides in the sector. Italian energy company ENI has developed the Inertial Sea Wave Energy Converter, while China’s Nanku floating generator and Finland’s AW-Energy’s WaveRoller, featuring large underwater panels, are further advancing the technology.

Despite its potential, wave and tidal energy still face challenges in achieving commercial viability at scale. “The key challenge is competitiveness,” Rodrigues explained. “Wave energy must demonstrate both consistent performance and the ability to withstand extreme ocean forces. Many prototypes have failed or underperformed, while offshore wind and solar have proven reliability and cost-effectiveness.”

European nations like Portugal, Spain, France, Ireland, and the UK have the most favorable conditions for large-scale wave energy projects due to their exposure to Atlantic swells. Norway, with its extensive coastline and remote island communities, also presents a strong market where wave energy could reduce grid costs and enhance energy independence.

Ultimately, the success of wave energy hinges on not just technological advancements but also economic viability, social acceptance, and supportive government policies. With continued innovation and investment, wave energy could soon play a vital role in Europe’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

Former President Donald Trump on Wednesday dismissed national security concerns over TikTok, asking rhetorically, “Is it that important for China to be spying on young people? On young kids watching crazy videos?” His remarks mark a stark departure from his earlier attempts to ban the app during his presidency over fears of Chinese espionage.

In 2020, Trump signed an executive order to ban TikTok in the U.S., citing concerns that its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, could provide sensitive user data to Beijing. The order claimed TikTok’s data collection posed risks, including tracking government employees, blackmail, and corporate espionage. While the ban failed, concerns over TikTok’s potential misuse have persisted among U.S. lawmakers and security experts.

Evolving Security Concerns

Since Trump’s executive order, bipartisan support has grown for measures to curb TikTok’s influence. State and federal agencies, as well as the military, have restricted employees from downloading the app on work devices. In 2022, Congress passed legislation requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese owner or face a potential ban, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court on national security grounds.

Despite these measures, experts argue that banning TikTok or forcing a sale may not fully protect U.S. user data. Many websites and apps collect similar data—such as location, search history, and purchase patterns—which is readily available for purchase through data brokers. “The Chinese government can simply buy U.S. user data from data brokers,” said Eva Galperin, director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

Additionally, China’s advanced cyber-espionage capabilities have enabled the country to target U.S. government networks and critical infrastructure, raising broader concerns about data security.

Algorithm Manipulation Fears

Beyond data collection, lawmakers worry about ByteDance’s ability to manipulate TikTok’s algorithm to spread Chinese propaganda or disinformation. Although TikTok has denied allegations of Beijing’s influence over its content, experts highlight that Chinese state actors have previously exploited U.S.-owned social media platforms to disseminate disinformation.

Trump’s Reversal and Proposed Solution

Trump’s recent comments suggest a shift in his stance. He floated the idea of a 50-50 joint U.S.-China ownership of TikTok, though it’s unclear if such an arrangement would satisfy security requirements outlined in the sale-or-ban law.

Some analysts speculate that Trump’s change of heart could stem from his personal use of the platform or perceptions that China’s global influence has diminished. However, others caution that China’s continued interest in accessing U.S. data and influencing public opinion remains a pressing concern.

TikTok’s Efforts to Address Concerns

TikTok has taken steps to address U.S. fears, including storing American user data on Oracle-owned servers and allowing third-party monitors to review its systems. However, experts remain skeptical about whether these measures can completely sever Beijing’s influence.

As the debate continues, the broader implications of data privacy, algorithmic control, and national security remain at the forefront of the TikTok controversy.