[This is an EXCERPT: read the whole article here. While EMEC may be the only tidal and wave energy research facility, there is research being done elsewhere, as reported in this article on wave power developments on the Oregon coast. Many places have special qualities that make them particularly good for different kinds of alternative energy production - like solar thermal in Australia and Arizona, or wind and cow power elsewhere. -Ed.]

by Matthew Boyle

"With waves that travel thousands of miles across the Atlantic before battering its coastline and tidal flows that exceed eight knots, the Scots are poised to become the world leader in this renewable energy source - a market potentially worth billions."

"Now the utility Scottish Power plans to install what it claims will be the world's largest commercial wave "farm" - four giant metal sausages bobbing on the waves, each 460 feet long and capable of generating 750 kilowatts."

"Wave energy is harnessed near the water's surface, while tidal energy is usually captured as the tides change on the sea floor. Both methods are far more predictable than wind or solar, and since water is denser than air, the same amount of power can be created with a far smaller turbine."

Image credit: Pelamis Wave Power, one of the firms conducting research in the area.