Ocean waves are generated by the action of winds on the surface of the world’s oceans and both this generation mechanism and the ability of water waves to propagate over large distances make ocean wave energy one of the most concentrated sources of renewable energy available.
Interesting Facts
- Attempts to develop devices capable of extracting energy from ocean waves have been made since at least the late 18th century.
- The world’s first wave power plant was opened in 2008 at Portugal’s Agucadoura Wave Farm.
- It is estimated that up to 21.5GW of wave and tidal energy could be generated from the waters around Scotland annually.
- Scotland produces about 10% of the total wave energy of Europe thus making it a significant player in the wave energy market and a centre of Research and Development.
- The Orkney Islands in Scotland are one of the leading areas in wave energy in the world.
Image right, credit: Colin Keldie, courtesy of WES
Opportunities
- With deployment of 100MW per year from 2021/22, the UK’s tidal stream industry could generate a benefit of £1,400 million by 2030 and would support almost 14,500 jobs by 2040
- Worldwide, wave has a higher power density per square kilometre than either wind or solar energy and it is more predictable than either of them.
- If Scotland can create the world’s most efficient solution, there is an opportunity to create a new industry that could service the world’s needs in the sector.
- Wave systems are being developed by drawing on Scotland’s extensive energy expertise and through original research and development activities.
- The UK Government has launched the £10 million Saltire Tidal Energy Challenge Fund to support commercial deployment of tidal energy generation in Scottish waters through driving innovation and reduction in the cost of electricity generated.
Challenges
- The principal challenge is to design and install wave energy extracting systems which are cost effective.
- Systems need to be highly efficient ocean wave energy absorbers and capable of surviving for sustained periods of time in a highly energetic ocean environment.
- The systems also need to be resistant to potential environmental effects on the system structure including corrosion and marine growth (where these impact on energy extraction and survivability).
- Ensure technologies do not damage the marine environment in which they are installed and can be installed, de-installed and maintained cost effectively.
Tidal Energy
Tidal power, often also referred to as tidal energy, is a form of hydropower that harnesses the energy found in ocean tides to produce electricity or other forms of renewable energy.
Interesting Facts
- Tidal energy is the oldest form of renewable energy, having been used by the Romans to power water mills by when they occupied much of Britain
- Tides are created by the gravitational effect of the moon on the earth
- Tidal turbines are more expensive to build and maintain than traditional wind turbines, but produce significantly greater energy
- Tidal turbines also produce energy at a more consistent rate as the tide is continuous while the wind is not always blowing
- The world’s largest tidal turbine is produced by an Orkney based company
Image right, credit: Mike Brookes Roper
Opportunities
- It is believed the tidal stream industry could generate £1.4billion for the UK and support 22,600 jobs by 2040
- The UK has more installed tidal devices than any other country in the world
- Tidal energy capacity is set to increase dramatically from 9.3 megawatts at present to 100-200MW by 2020
- The UK’s tidal energy workforce is set to increase to around 6,000 by 2023
- The wave and tidal market is set to be worth £800million per year to the UK economy by 2035
Challenges
- Despite the relatively good financial funding into research and development, government support to put tidal devices into commercial operation is waning
- Tidal energy companies have struggled to compete with the more mature offshore wind industry
- The lack of UK government support has given countries such as Canada and France the chance opportunity to close the gap
[templatera id=”125″]
[templatera id=”111″]