Renewable Energy Sources (4) Wave energy

What is wave energy?

Waves are caused by the action of winds on the sea. Waves can be many metres in height and contain a great deal of energy. This energy can be harnessed to drive turbines that generate electricity.

How is wave energy collected?

Wave energy collectors are of two main types. The first type directs waves into man-made channels, where the water passes through a turbine that generates electricity. The second type uses the up and down movement of a wave to push air.

Where is wave energy collected?

Wave energy can be harnessed in coastal areas, close to the shore. There has been one such device working on the island of Islay in Scotland since the early 1990s, producing 75kW of electricity.

Advantages

This is a non-polluting source of energy. Wave turbines are relatively quiet to operate and do not affect wildlife.

Disadvantages

The turbines can be unsightly. Wave heights vary considerably, so they would not produce a constant supply of energy.