Marine Renewable Energy – An Update

12 February 2008 London Evening Meeting

Chairman Ian Gallett, Chief Executive, SUT
 

Report

Flyer

The UK is particularly blessed with marine renewable resources. The wave climate of the Atlantic to the west of Scotland and Cornwall has some of the roughest seas in the world, and therefore is very rich in energy. Although waves are derived from the wind, the density of sea water means that the energy is much more concentrated than in the air, and is still there during calms as swells (i.e. the action of wind at a distance) are also exploitable.

There are also many sites around the UK where the tidal stream is strong enough to make the siting of tidal stream generators a practical proposition. The density of sea water again means that much smaller devices can extract the same amount of energy as much larger wind generators. Use of the tides also means that this source of power is available at completely predictable times.

The two presentations covered these two marine renewable technologies, but did not cover offshore wind farms, tidal barrages or lagoons.

Presentations

Wave Energy Devices

Prof Peter Stansby, University of Manchester

Peter talked about wave energy devices with particular emphasis on the Manchester Bobber.

Tidal Stream Generators

Duncan Ayling, BWEA Head of Offshore

Duncan presented the latest developments in tidal stream devices.