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:
- Carbon Trust has identified where the most economic wave
resource is in the UK. The most economic areas, some 100Km
from shore on the edge of the UK's continental shelf primarily off
the West Coast of Scotland (off Lewis and Uist) could be 50%
cheaper than sites currently being developed, but will require
further technology innovation to make them viable.
- That wave energy devices could extract up to 95 TWh per year of
useful energy from the sea. 32-42 TWh per year could
realistically be extracted taking into account practical and
economic constraints. 32-42 TWh per year equates to over 10GW
of wave energy capacity.
- 42 TWh is equivalent to 11% of the UK's current power
generation and would require wave farms totalling around 500Km in
length.
- Cost analysis suggests floating wave devices will be installed
up to 150km offshore, to maximise energy capture from Atlantic
swells. Near shore wave devices have fewer sites to choose from,
but can also make a significant contribution.
- The best sites have the potential to provide energy 50% cheaper
than current estimates for the first wave arrays, because the
resource is significantly higher. Using iterations of today's
technology, energy could theoretically be extracted from these
sites at 20-25.3p/kWh. The Cost of wave energy will
reduce further as the industry develops at scale.
For more information and to speak to a Carbon Trust
spokesperson, please contact the Carbon Trust press office:
Tel no: 020 7170 7050
Email: press@carbontrust.com
About the Carbon Trust
The Carbon Trust is an independent company with a mission to
accelerate the move to a low carbon economy.
It advises businesses, governments and the public sector on
their opportunities in a sustainable, low carbon world.
It measures and certifies the environmental footprint of
organisations, supply chains and products.
It helps develop and deploy low carbon technologies and
solutions, from energy efficiency to renewable power.