The 2011 Marine Winner - Snapper

There is no shortage of superlatives and statistics to describe the potential of the oceans and seas to meet our ever-expanding energy needs. Indeed, one oft-quoted study by Oregon State University in the US estimates that just 0.2 per cent of the oceans’ power, in the form of waves, tides, salinity and more, would be needed to power the entire world.

For the UK particularly, with its extensive and often turbulent coastline, this has added relevance. Indeed, wave and tidal power is frequently hailed as the one truly reliable and predictable source of renewable energy.

Devices to harness the power of tidal streams are now progressing well, with the Scottish government recently approving plans for 10 tidal turbines, which will generate enough electricity to power more than 5,000 homes.

However, the technology is relatively expensive and potentially difficult to maintain – essentially being wind turbines adapted to work under water.
And so, arguably, wave power – which at least partly operates at the surface – is an even better prospect for energy generation.