Western wave-power 'could generate 11% of UK's needs'

England's southwestern coast

Wave power developments on the edge of the UK continental shelf off southwest England and the west coast of Scotland could generate 11% of Britain’s future needs, according to new research from government-industry body the Carbon Trust.

The report found “hotspots” such as along the Rockall Trough off the islands of Lewis and Uist, some 100km from shore, will be the “most economically attractive to exploit in the coming years”.

Carbon Trust figures suggest harnessing the “major wave frontages” at these sites could produce power at 50% of the cost of projects currently being developed – but will need further technology innovation to make them commercially viable.

“If we can continue to innovate to prove the technology at scale and to bring down costs then there is every…

Become a Recharge subscriber!

Or try our free trial.

Order Subscription

Already a member?

Login

Recharge App


Dowload the Recharge Mobile App
Get the free Recharge subscriber app on your device running iOS or Android.
Read Recharge anytime and anywhere.
Recharge IOS App