Abstract / Description of output
Wave energy is critical to the move to a low carbon economy. Unfortunately, like other renewables, it may be sensitive to changes in climate resulting from rising carbon emissions. Changes in wind patterns are forecast and these will alter wave regimes. Evidence indicates that wave heights have been changing over recent decades, although there is no proven link to global warming. Changes in wave climate will impact on wave energy conversion: resource restrictions may lower energy exports with consequent negative economic impacts. Alternatively, increased storm activity will increase survival risks for installations. Here, we outline evidence of recent wave climate change and projections of the future. Methodologies for inferring future change are compared and a simple case study is presented.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | 6th European Wave and Tidal Eenrgy Conference (EWTEC2005) |
Publisher | EWTEC |
Number of pages | 6 |
Publication status | Published - 2005 |