Interesting Facts

• Wave and tidal devices convert the energetic movement of the waves, and the rise and fall of the tides, into electricity via internal generators.
• The electricity is transported to shore via underwater cables.
• Wave devices are either floating or fixed to seabed or shore.
• Tidal projects use tidal barrage (similar to hydro dam or underwater turbine generators)
• Scotland has more than a quarter of Europe’s potential wave and tidal resources!
• Some of the best resources are located off the north-west coast and northern tip of Scotland
• Around the coast of the UK the sea levels rise and fall twice daily.
• The Pelamis Wave Device was developed & manufactured in Scotland
• Pelamis is greek for sea snake!

Benefits

• Wave and tidal energy is freely available.
• Once installed running costs are very low.
• No fuel is required.
• No waste or pollution is produced.
• Wave energy is capable of producing large amounts of energy.
• With tidal energy the amount and time when electricity produced is very predictable.

Down Sides

• Developing and testing technology in the sea can be expensive
• Wave devices can be hazardous for ships and leisure craft
• Difficult to find suitable locations for tidal power
• Tidal devices can affect sea life

Local Applications

• None in Aberdeen City and Shire, but the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney and the Wavegen Limpet project at Islay.