An Introduction to Wave Power
Capturing the immense power of the ocean has been one of mans challenges for centuries. With the ever increasing rise in fossil fuel prices, the pace of development in the ocean energy sector is increasing. Wave power is attracting an increasing amount of attention from regional and/or national governments where there is access to a suitable resource. Geographically and commercially the richest wave energy resources are to be found off:

• The Atlantic coast of Europe (especially off Ireland, the UK and Portugal)
• The West Coast North America (from San Francisco to British Columbia)
• Hawaii
• New Zealand

A number of utilities and oil majors are taking, or have already taken, steps to secure a position in the emerging technology of wave energy conversion.  These include:

• USA:         Chevron TVC; Pacific Gas and Electric
• Canada:     BC Hydro
• Portugal:     Energias de Portugal; Enersis; Grupo Generg
• Spain:         Iberdrola
• UK:         Scottish and Southern Electricity: E-ON
• Ireland:     Electricity Supply Board; Bord na Mona

and two major electrical engineering firms:

• Siemens
• GE