The potential to gather energy from the sea has recently been considered as a possible renewable energy resource in Europe. Spanish coastlines may have valuable renewable energy resources in the form of waves. The intensity of the wave depends on the force of the wind, the time and the area where the wind energy is transmitted to the wave. Turning the sea surface wave motion into usable energy forms like electricity can be achieved in different ways. It is essential for scientists and researchers to find the Wave Energy Resource (WER) and the effective technology. This paper analyses the current state of the Point Absorber Wave Energy Converter (PAWEC) based on hydraulic systems of point absorbers and their prospect development in Spain. The methodology suggested allows defining the use of WER towards the discovery of technologies, development of prototypes and pilot plants to start a large-scale utilization. This paper outlines the knowledge in the Spanish renewable energy situation and discusses the perspectives of wave energy in Spain. As a result, Spain is found to have a vast WER, but developing PAWEC systems call or suitable measures. Securing oriented administration plans, relevant legislation and incentives for the exploitation of the marine resources are main challenges to ensure implementation projects. The results are very useful for WER policy-making in Europe.

Authors: J.P. Paredes-Sánchez, C. Álvarez-Peña

Published in: World Congress on Sustainable Technologies (WCST-2017)

• Date of Conference: 11-14 December 2017
• DOI: 10.20533/WCST.2017.0019
• ISBN: 978-1-908320-78-0
• Conference Location: University of Cambridge, UK