Wave

The UK has the potential to exploit wave energy to provide around 15% of the UK's current domestic electricity demand. Wave power is a reliable source of power, which produces no greenhouse gases and ultimately reduces our dependence on fossil fuels.

Wave power devices are designed to absorb the energy from waves and convert it to electricity. On-shore generators usually consist of a partially submerged shell, where sea water is free to enter and leave as the waves travel. As waves enter the shell chamber, the level of water rises, compressing the air in the top of the chamber, the air is then forced through a blow-hole into the turbine and energy extracted and used to generate electricity. When the waves draw back, the air is sucked back under pressure into the chamber, keeping the turbine moving at all times. This constant stream of air in both directions produces enough movement in the turbine to drive a generator, which converts the energy into electricity.

Opposition has focused on the aesthetic and noise impact of the machinery on the environment and also the possible impact on marine wildlife. However, well designed on-shore wave generators have minimal environmental impacts and often form dual purposes, such as forming part of a harbour wall or water break in erosion zones and providing areas of sheltered water for marine wildlife. The world's first commercial scale wave power generator was completed off the coast of West Scotland on Islay in 2000.

Wave power is in limited supply and does not currently feature within our generation, but keep visiting our projects section for any future developments.

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