What is wave power?

Waves are generated by the wind as it blows across the ocean surface. As a
result, energy is transferred from the wind to the waves. Wave power refers to the
energy transported by ocean surface waves and more importantly, the capture of that
energy to do useful work, e.g. to generate electricity.
Is the idea of wave power a new one?
In 1799, French engineer Pierre Girard and his son filed the first patent to
harness wave power. Their idea was to use the direct mechanical action created by
linking the bobbing of moored ships to onshore mills and other heavy machinery
through a plank and fulcrum. This inspired other inventors to come up with their own
ways to harness wave power, and while quite a few patents were filed, none of the
mechanisms were ever able to produce enough power for widespread use.
How is wave power harnessed?
There are roughly six general types of machine used in wave energy projects
and each type has its own way for turning waves into electricity.

Where can the idea of wave power be implemented?

Like other forms of renewable energy sources, wave energy is unevenly
distributed all over the globe. The greatest wave activity can be found between the
latitudes of ~30 and ~60 in both hemispheres, caused by the prevailing western
winds in these regions.

Capturing wave energy completely depends on the intensity of the waves so the
technology needs to be in a site where waves are consistently strong.

Are there any technological limits to the use of wave power?

There are lots of ideas currently being investigated in terms of improving the
energy capture mechanisms but the problem is that since these ideas are so costly to
implement, no chances can be taken. As a result, even the most promising designs can
be put to rest by the smallest technical glitch. In 2003, a 20kW device ran for 20,000
hours before having to be brought back to shore due to a rusted screw (which should
have been made out of stainless steel). These small errors highlight the difficulty of
engineering devices to withstand the demands of the open ocean. In 1998, a severe
storm destroyed a 600kW pilot plant made by a Norwegian firm. It had only
produced power for 3 years and soon after this incident the company decided to
abandon wave power.

What are some of wave powers advantages over conventional energy sources?
1. It is a renewable source of energy unlike fossil fuels which are finite, and corn
(which produces ethanol) which is limited in growth by particular seasons, there
will always be waves crashing onto shorelines across the globe.
2. It is abundant and widely available1 many large towns and cities with huge
populations are located near to, or on, the coast so lots of people can benefit from
wave energy plants.
3. It will reduce the dependency on foreign oil companies many countries
(including the USA) currently rely heavily on other countries such as Saudi Arabia
to get their oil [see pie chart below] but by utilising wave energy, governments can
make their countries more self-reliant. This is an important fact since those oil
reserves will soon run dry.

4. It is a clean green source of energy one major concern with the production of
energy from conventional sources is an environmental one. Whereas the burning
of coal, for example, releases toxic gases like CO 2 into the atmosphere, wave
energy involves the release of very little to no harmful by-products. There is also
very little noise pollution because any noise generated by the machines is masked
by the more appealing sound of the waves themselves.

However, remember that only certain locations are truly suitable for harnessing wave energy. Not all towns and cities
are located within close proximity of the ocean and so this idea will not be directly beneficial to all.

What impacts on the environment are there from exploiting wave power?
Exactly how the exploitation of wave power will impact on the environment is
unclear; the consensus being that further research is necessary. However, many
scientists worry that the electromagnetic cables which run along the seafloor could
affect sea life and that buoys could interfere with fish and whale migration. The large
buoys involved may attract many fish and as a result many predators, altering the
marine ecosystem. The buoys could also disrupt natural currents and change how
sediment is moved.
However, there are some who believe that wave power structures promise
relatively benign environmental effects and that its net potential is equal to or better
than wind, solar, small hydro, or biomass power.
Are there any success stories regarding the implementation of wave power?
Much of the technology needed for wave power generation is still under heavy
research, with many prototypes still being tested, but there has been some
advancement; some wave farms are well on their way to going commercial.
Have there been any controversies surrounding the idea of wave power?

http://www.cres.gr/kape/pdf/download/Wave%20Energy%20Brochure.pdf
http://www.icrepq.com/icrepq-08/380-leao.pdf
http://www.pelamiswave.com/wave-power
http://www.nature.com/news/2007/071107/full/450156a.html
http://www.oceanenergycouncil.com/ocean-energy/wave-energy/
http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2008399727_oceanenergy17m.html
http://www.conserve-energyfuture.com/Advantages_Disadvantages_WaveEnergy.php
http://www.renewablegreenenergypower.com/wave-energy-pros-and-cons/