What is wave energy?

Wave energy is the largest unused renewable energy source on the planet, the European Commission says. How does it work, and how much power could it generate?

Is wave energy sustainable?

Wave energy is something of a golden apple. It’s a truly sustainable form of energy with, according to research by maritime technology company Fugro Oceanor, an estimated 3.7 terawatts (TW) of potential. This figure is equivalent to 30% of total global energy consumption in 2013.

Could wave power save the world?

The EU says wave power could provide up to 10% of its energy by 2050, cutting the need for back-up fossil fuel generation. 38 Across the world, the growth of wave and tidal stream energy could create 680,000 jobs and add USD 340 billion of value to the global economy, the International Energy Agency estimates. 39

Are wave energy converters putting the industry on the cusp of commercialisation?

Girard’s invention never saw the light of day, however, and for more than two centuries wave power stayed largely untapped. Now, though, innovations are leading to more resilient and efficient wave energy converters that could be putting the industry on the cusp of large-scale commercialisation. What is wave energy?

Will wave energy become more expensive than wind and solar?

This is normal for a niche technology. If wave energy expands and the technology is able to mature rapidly, the cost falls could mirror those seen with wind and solar energy when they became more widespread 19; the EU Joint Research Centre estimates it could become just twice as expensive as wind and solar within the next six years 20.

Should governments use wave energy converters?

Today, as conflicts continue in Ukraine and the Middle East and geopolitical tensions grow, wave energy converters offer an option for governments seeking both zero-carbon electricity and domestic energy security.