E.ON UK has launched the UK’s first wave power generator

The Pelamis P2 wave power device is 180m long and weights 750 tonnes. It can generate 750kW of electricity.

The device is a first step into marine energy for the UK, with this device being the first of its kind to be tested anywhere in the world. The device was manufactured in Scotland, and the Scottish are confident they can become a big player in the renewable energy market by embracing innovative new renewable technologies such as this.

The device is named ‘Vagr Atferd’ taken from the Norse for ‘Wave Power’, and it is now being moved to Orkney to be tested for 3 years, before it can be used commercially.

Orkney in Scotland is a good place for this marine technology to be tested, as the waters around Scotland contain most of the best tidal sites in the UK.

It remains to be seen how effective wave power can be with regard to reducing the UK’s carbon offset targets. It is hoped that this project will help to make tidal power, which is more expensive than the more conventional offshore wind approach a more cost effective and realistic option in the future.

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