Swell builds for wave power

Wave power has still to be proved as a viable renewable energy source on a large scale. But its promise is growing, writes Ian Lewis

WAVE POWER has still to be proved as a viable renewable energy source on a large scale. But its promise is growing, as a variety of imaginative schemes undergo demonstration-scale tests in anticipation of improved funding, following last month's climate change talks in Copenhagen. One of the latest technologies to hit the water is the Oyster, a hydro-electric wave device developed by Scotland-based Aquamarine Power, based on research carried out at Queen's University, Belfast. The device became operational at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), Orkney Islands, off the north coast of Scotland in November. Wave devices such as those being developed by UK company Pelamis and US/UK fir