Onshore vs. Offshore
Onshore wave power generation systems were developed before offshore systems, and have therefore been in operation longer. The model shown above is the Limpet model, capable of generating 75kW, has been in operation on the West coast of Scotland for the last ten years. Onshore systems are, in general, more taxing on the natural environment than offshore systems. Onshore structures are expensive to build and require an extensive civil undertaking, they are visible and audible, and the damage the coastline. The number of potential sites for building onshore structures is very limited.
Offshore wave power generation systems are more
modern than their onshore cousins. The model shown above is a test
model that is deployed off the coast of Melbourne, Australia. The
initial cost of an offshore system is not cheap, but it is cheaper than
onshore. The process of building and deploying the offshore system
is also much more economically attractive. The number of potential
sites for these systems is limited only by the amount of ocean area that
exists relatively close to a shore and has a water depth of 100-300m.
As far as environmental concerns, the offshore type of system is invisible
from the shore, completely silent, incurs no damage on the coastline, and
actually encourages marine life around the infrastructure.