Why wave power has lagged far behind as an energy source

Researchers have long contended that power from ocean waves could make a major energy contribution. But a host of challenges have stymied efforts, reports Yale Environment 360

• Dave Levitan for Yale Environment 360, part of the Guardian Environment Network
• theguardian.com, Monday 28 April 2014 16.01 BST

A new wave-power machine, the Vagr Atferd, built by Leith-based Pelamis for energy firm E.ON. Photograph: E.ON/PA

It’s not difficult to imagine what wind energy looks like — by this point we have all seen the towering turbines dotting the landscape. The same goes for solar power and the panels that are spreading across rooftops worldwide. But there is another form of renewable energy, available in huge quantities, that doesn’t really call to mind anything at all: What does wave power technology look like?

Wind and solar power have taken off in the past decade or two, as costs have come down rapidly and threats from climate change have made clear the need to transition away from fossil fuels. Meanwhile, numerous studies have concluded that wave power — and to a lesser extent, tidal power — could contribute massive amounts to the overall energy picture. But while the industry has made halting progress, experts agree that it remains decades behind other forms of renewables, with large amounts of money and research required for it to even begin to catch up.

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