World ocean energy projects put on the map

La Tene Maps, in association with RenewableUK and Ocean Energy Europe, has released a map that shows the disposition of wave, tidal and ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) projects around the world.

The sheet has a map of the world showing areas where activity occurs and a series of enlargements for areas of intense activity, like in Orkney in Europe, Bay of Fundy in Canada and in the area of South East Asia.

A specifically designed set of symbols differentiates between wave, tidal, tidal impoundment and OTEC, while colors show whether the project is installed, under construction or planned/proposed.

The project name, operator and generating capacity are also included in addition to the chart of the major wave and tidal device.

Speaking on the release of the map, John Coleman, Chief Executive of La Tene Maps, said: “This is the 4th edition of the World Ocean Energy and I hope it will be useful to the industry.

“The map includes installations at test sites which by their very nature can be short term. The rollout of commercial installation is very slow more so on the wave side rather than the tidal side. However, there are many devices in or planned deployments in demonstration/test sites over the next couple of years.

“Other things I have noticed are the time slippage in projects. Everything takes much longer than expected. The other thing I have noticed is the increasing importance of South East Asia as both a test area and for commercial installations.”