When it comes to wave and tidal power, the United Kingdom has enormous potential to become a worldwide leader in the proliferation and utilization of the boundless renewable energy found in the ocean. The northern coast of the UK is one of the world’s top locations capable of harnessing wave and tidal power in order to produce electricity.

Due to the United Kingdom’s location in the northern temperate zone, the waves which reach the nation’s shores are predictable. The winds far out at sea that create these waves are consistent and therefore easily measured. Available power that can be generated from the water’s renewable energy is anticipated from these measurements, and prime locations for wave farms are chosen from these findings. Thanks to the steady nature of the prevailing winds off the United Kingdom’s north shore, the resulting waves’ energy potential can be anticipated five days in advance.

Pondering water power as an alternative energy source is nothing new in the United Kingdom. The oil crisis of the 1970s prompted many researchers to turn to the possibilities of renewable energy. At the University of Edinburgh, Stephen Salter invented a wave energy converter nicknamed Salter’s Duck. This device was shaped like a teardrop and designed to bob on the ocean’s waves. The bobbing motion would swing a pendulum located inside the floating "duck", producing electricity. This electricity would be transferred to lines hanging from the floating device to dedicated collection points connected to the grid. Reportedly, the device could capture wave power with 90% efficiency. Unfortunately, falling oil prices and a miscalculation of the production cost doomed Salter’s Duck. It was never tested in the ocean.

Currently, a project is underway in the United Kingdom known as the Wave Hub. Its intention is to demonstrate the methods by which wave power can be collected and transformed into electricity. As part of the Wave Hub, a variety of wave energy converters will be used to demonstrate the operation of wave power’s conversion to electricity. The devices will be tested in other areas, and upon completion of testing, be connected to the grid at locations agreed upon by the government. Over the course of several years, electricity production will be studied in order to determine the most efficient water energy converters. Not only does this allow researchers to develop effective methods by which to harness wave power, but the resulting electricity produced by the research is fed to the grid.

The island upon which the United Kingdom resides is an ideal place to harness and study the renewable energy found in wave power. There is wide range of Wave and Tidal Power Energy Manufacturers in the United Kingdom.

Plus, suppliers and consultants are located all over, so get started in making the most of renewable resources now!