Wave and tidal energy in Europe: assessing present technologies

The potential of ocean energy, and in particular wave and tidal stream energy in Europe is vast. Ocean energy technologies could play a significant role in the future European energy system. Despite significant steps towards commercialisation, wave and tidal energy technologies have not reached yet the level of maturity of other renewable energy technologies. In order to understand current and future technology development and improvement, the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (JRC) has built a detailed database of global wave and tidal devices at high technology readiness level. The database allows for an in-depth review of the state-of-the-art of ocean energy technologies, paying particular attention to the different technology components, such as foundations, moorings and PTO. From the analysis of data accrued, the paper identifies patterns for large-scale implementation of wave and tidal technologies, to drive convergence toward design consensus and mechanisms to unlock cost-reductions of the technologies. This paper presents an update of current technological status of wave and tidal energy technologies, providing an insight on how technology is hedging closer towards commercialisation.

MAGAGNA Davide;  UIHLEIN Andreas;  SILVA Marta;  RAVENTOS Alex; 

2015-11-06

University of Southampton

JRC96528

2309-1983,