Waves Waves

Wave and tidal energy

Accelerating innovation and creating economies of scale

About wave and tidal energy


Wave and tidal are both proven technologies that can help to offer predictable renewable energy from the UK’s abundant coastline. The UK is currently a leader in tidal stream, with world leading projects operational around the country and a total of 50MW of developments in the pipeline.


While currently more expensive than other renewables, tidal stream is on a cost-reduction journey and could be cheaper than nuclear by 2035. With the right support, tidal energy could provide 11% of the UK's electricity by 2050.

Our work in wave and tidal


Our public affairs teams work hard to ensure wave and tidal - along with other emerging technologies - remain high the on the agenda, for example by organising parliamentary receptions.


We track the development of wave and tidal energy in the UK using our EnergyPulse software. The map below shows a list of wave and tidal demonstration sites across the UK.