There’s enough wave energy in the oceans to power the world, and scientists are finally close to harnessing it. For decades wave energy has lagged behind wind energy and solar because harnessing it is more complex. However, the potential is huge: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, waves along American coastlines can generate as much 2,640 terawatt hours a year—enough to power more than 200 million American households, free of emissions. And waves are more consistent and predictable than either solar or wind power.