The sea in every step along a west Scottish beach stores enough energy for over 70 homes, estimates Richard Yemm, who has taken wave power closer to reality than anybody so far. Three of his snake-like Pelamis machines, rated at 0.75 MW each, began pumping power off Portugal last fall, enhancing the technology’s commercial credibility.
Moored 5 kilometers off Aguçadoura, the $13-million installation is unprecedented in having several units and represents the world’s first wave device commercial sale, claims Edinburgh-based Pelamis Wave Power Ltd., where Yemm is founder and chief technical officer. As big as a four-car train, each Pelamis rides the waves, hydraulically converting the hinging motion into electricity.