Pros
Consistent Power – Waves move constantly throughout the day, which provides a consistent stream of electricity generation capacity.
Pollution-Free – By taking advantage of only the waves, wave power creates no greenhouse gas emissions or water pollutants.
Low Operating Costs – Once installed there are few ongoing operating costs or labor costs, unless there is a device breakdown.
Renewable – No material resources are used or changed in the production of wave power, making it a truly renewable power form.
Minimal Visual Impact – Most wave power devices are installed mostly or fully submerged in water. By installing the devices far enough from shore there is minimal “damage of water views” that has been associated with offshore wind turbines.
Efficient – Most wave power devices operate at optimal efficiency levels regardless of the direction of the waves.
Shoreline Protection – By capturing the kinetic energy of the tide there will be less power crashing into the shore, which should help prevent damage to the shoreline.
Cons
Device Breakdown – Strong ocean storms and salt water corrosion can damage the devices, which could increase the cost of construction to increase durability and/or cause frequent breakdowns. This especially holds true with the increased complexity of the devices.
Marine Life Affected – Sea life could be harmed or have habitats disrupted or displaced by the operation of the devices or the mooring of the devices.
High Initial Costs – The high cost of device and associated power products could lengthen the payback period and be cost prohibitive based on the characteristics and size of each project.
Few Implemented – There are relatively few commercial installations as compared to other technologies, such as wind and solar farms. As such, additional difficulties implementing these devices could arise.
Reduced Sea Usage – The potentially larger footprint of ocean-dwelling device farms could reduce shipping channels and fishing and recreation areas.
Noise – The movement of Attenuators or Point Absorbers or intake and movement of water in the OWC and Overtopping devices could produce a loud, constant noise. This noise is unlikely going to be significantly louder than the waves would make on their own.