New research released today by the Carbon Trust has taken the most detailed look yet into the most suitable locations to develop wave energy for the UK.
The findings have resulted in a ‘hot spotting’ of locations around the UK where the best balance of wave resource versus the cost of exploitation can be found. The results show that sites on the edge of the UK’s continental shelf, such as the edge of the Rockall Trough, some 100km from shore will be the most economically attractive to exploit in the coming years. These sites could generate power some 50% cheaper than sites currently being developed.
Dr Stephen Wyatt at the Carbon Trust said: “This new research identifies the major wave frontages for commercial development in the coming years. If we can continue to innovate to prove the technology at scale and to bring down costs then there is every reason to believe that wave power can be providing a significant contribution to our energy needs out to 2050.”
Key findings of the report:
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Press release, October 17, 2012; Image: Carbon Trust