To produce wave and tidal energy, we need to harness the movement contained in the ocean and convert it into electrical power. The UK currently leads the world in marine energy technologies. Around our coastlines, we have the richest marine energy resource in Europe.
With our excellent wave and tidal resources, and our expertise in oil and gas exploration, the UK is in a unique position to benefit from this type of renewable energy – and to develop related wave and tidal services. The Carbon Trust estimates that we could meet up to 15 percent of our electricity needs from marine sources, and that we could install 2 gigawatts of generation capacity by 2020, and up to 30 gigawatts by 2050.
However, the industry is still in its early stages, and it is important that we investigate thoroughly how best to exploit this asset. In this section of the website, we look at the
funding support available for developers, and the
research and development that is ongoing in the UK. You can also find copies of the ‘Device performance protocol’ and ‘Development and evaluation protocol’ on the
wave energy technology and
tidal energy technology pages.