As global attention shifts towards the need for sustainable energy, the potential of our oceans is coming to the forefront. Wave and tidal energy, which harness the natural movement of seawater, present a largely untapped, renewable source that could play a key role in reducing carbon emissions. These energy sources are part of the emerging blue energy sector, offering a clean and reliable option for power generation.
Recent years have seen significant progress in wave and tidal technologies, driven by innovation, government initiatives, and a growing awareness of environmental issues. Projects across the world are showcasing the potential of these energy sources, with the industry now poised to become a significant part of the global energy system. SAE Renewables, alongside other innovators, continues to contribute to this growing field.
A recent report from Finland’s LUT University emphasises the importance of wave energy in achieving a cost-efficient, net-zero energy system. The research suggests that the UK should target 27GW of wave energy to meet its renewable energy goals. This report coincides with a major milestone for Swedish company CorPower, which has successfully launched its first full-scale wave energy device.
LUT University’s findings suggest that 27GW of wave energy will be essential for the UK to meet its predicted tripling of electricity demand by 2050 while maintaining the lowest cost for a net-zero system. The deployment of CorPower Ocean’s C4 machine off the northern Portuguese coast has marked a significant breakthrough, addressing the challenges of wave energy, particularly in terms of survivability in storms and efficient energy generation during normal conditions. Richard Arnold, Policy Director at the Marine Energy Council, noted the significance of this development, reinforcing the growing importance of wave energy in transitioning the UK to a renewable energy future.
The Marine Energy Council is pushing for the deployment of at least 300MW of wave energy by 2035. This recommendation follows testimony from the organisation to the UK Government’s Energy Security and Net Zero Select Committee, stressing the need to increase UK-based content in marine energy projects. CorPower Ocean’s Head of Business Development, Anders Jansson, highlighted the progress made in commercial-scale wave energy, noting the resolution of key obstacles that have hindered the sector’s commercial adoption.
LUT University’s research also points to the broader economic benefits of wave power, underscoring the need for a diverse renewable energy mix that includes wind, solar, wave, tidal, geothermal, and other sources to reach a 100% renewable system. This contrasts with the high costs and sustainability issues associated with fossil fuels and nuclear energy.
In the field of tidal energy, Inyanga Marine Energy Group and Verdant Morlais Ltd (VML) have signed an agreement to develop a 4.9MW tidal energy project at Morlais in Wales, part of Europe’s largest tidal energy scheme. This project follows Inyanga’s success in securing a 10MW project in the UK Government’s ‘Contracts for Difference’ round in 2023. The new collaboration is expected to create opportunities for innovation and cost reduction.
SAE Renewables continues to engage in this developing sector. The decommissioning of OpenHydro’s tidal turbine energy platform in Orkney, managed by Ocean Kinetics and Green Marine (UK), showcases the ongoing evolution of marine energy technology. This project, which involves removing the steel structure of the tidal turbine installed in 2006, highlights the complex work involved in dismantling and managing marine energy platforms.
The work on the OpenHydro project is being carried out during Neap tides, with Ocean Kinetics and Green Marine handling various aspects of the decommissioning process. According to Ocean Kinetics Marine Projects Manager Roger Goudie, the project reflects the company’s expertise in offshore decommissioning and its role as a leader in subsea structure removal.
Further progress has been made in the Faroe Islands, where ocean energy developer Minesto has renewed its power purchase agreement with Faroese utility company Sev. This agreement, originally signed in 2020, supports the continued operation of tidal power plants in Vestmanna, reinforcing the role of tidal energy in the Faroe Islands’ transition to 100% renewable electricity generation by 2030.
Minesto has also made significant strides with its tidal kite, Dragon 12, which has been undergoing uninterrupted testing since February 2024. This period of testing has provided essential data for future expansion of tidal arrays, contributing to the growing body of knowledge around tidal energy systems.
Meanwhile, a video has revealed the ambitious vision for a tidal barrage on the River Mersey in the UK. The project, now moving into the formal planning phase, could generate clean energy for up to 120 years and provide significant employment opportunities. Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, has expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to establish the UK as a leader in renewable energy.
The ongoing developments in wave and tidal energy—ranging from technological advancements to partnerships and decommissioning efforts—signal a promising future for blue energy. SAE Renewables, along with other key players, is positioned to help drive this transformation, contributing to the global effort to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. The combination of innovation, collaboration, and government support is set to propel these marine energy sources into mainstream use, offering a cleaner, more sustainable future for energy generation.
SAE Renewables Limited (LON:SAE) was founded in 2005 as a supplier of tidal stream turbines, SAE quickly grew to include development of tidal stream projects and is the majority owner of MeyGen, the world’s largest tidal stream energy project.
