Abstract
Previous estimates1,2 of wave energy around the United Kingdom have been made by extrapolating measurements from a few sites to the whole UK seaboard. Here directional wave spectra are used from a numerical wave model developed by the Meterological Office3, to make estimates which are verified where possible by observation. It is concluded that around 30 GW of power is available for capture by wave energy converters: when estimates of converter spacing and efficiency are considered an average of about 7 GW of electrical power could be supplied. This resource estimate is smaller than previous ones, though consistent with them when factors such as the directional properties of waves and the likelihood that converters will be sited near coasts are included.
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Winter, A. The UK wave energy resource. Nature 287, 826–828 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1038/287826a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/287826a0
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