Challenges

To evaluate a wave energy device it is important to know the major challenges in harvesting wave energy.

Large forces

Wave energy is refined wind energy. When a storm has affected the ocean for days, the energy in a wave can be up to 1 MW/m wave width. These large forces will drive the cost of structure and mooring through the roof if the concept doesn't have a solving for this.

 

Deployment

Large structures are expensive to transport and deploy. A typical deployment vessel costs 50.000€ per day. That also goes for the days with bad weather and the vessel is just waiting.

Power connection

Power cables and connections at sea are very expensive. For Offshore wind power farms the internal power connection is 5% of the total cost and grid connection is 10%

Wear and maintenance

Seawater, cyclic forces and marine growth are a tough combination for mechanical structures. The correct choice of design and material is essential to get a low maintenance system.
 
Mooring, deployment and grid connection are often underestimated costs!