Wave Energy Advantages

Ocean waves are generated by wind passing over the surface of the sea - a process that often begins many hundreds or thousands of miles from shore. Because waves originate a long way from shore, computer models of wave propagation allow us to accurately forecast incoming waves up to five days in advance.

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In comparison with wind or solar energy, it's easier to accurately predict how much and when energy can be generated. Because the peaks and troughs of wave energy are not in sync with those from wind or solar, combining the power from these sources acts to even out their combined output, leading a more predictable and steady renewable energy mix.

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A diverse renewable energy portfolio will lead to a more stable energy system, reduced variability, and lower cost. In addition, a strong renewable energy mix means we become less reliant on traditional power sources such as oil and gas, leading to greater energy security.

LOW IMPACT

Wave energy is, by its nature, a clean energy resource. Aside from the energy expended in the manufacture and installation of wave energy devices, it produces no carbon emissions. While environmental impacts for large-scale power plants of any type need to be studied at a local level and may differ from one technology to another, our engagement with experts at the DOE’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory suggests that Triton should have a negligible impact on the aquatic environment. Wave energy farms do not require significant land use as solar or land-based wind turbines do.  Also, wave energy farms can be located far enough from the coast so as to not be seen from land and affect the view. 

WELL MATCHED WITH ELECTRICITY DEMAND

In the US, and in many countries around the world, population and electricity demand in coastal areas is growing faster compared to national averages. In many locations around the world the variability of waves can be seen to match daily and seasonal electricity demand. The net effect is that electricity from wave energy can be used when produced with only minimal requirement to store the energy. In fact, the consistency of energy from waves and the better alignment with grid demand means that much less storage is required compared to an equivalent solar or wind project in most locations. Furthermore, in locations such as the US West Coast, wave energy tends to peak when solar energy is low, and thus wave and solar can actually complement each other to improve power flows within utility grids.