Ocean power in New Zealand
New Zealand has large ocean energy resources but does not yet generate any power from them. TVNZ reported in 2007 that over 20 wave and tidal power projects are currently under development. However, not a lot of public information is available about these projects. The Aotearoa Wave and Tidal Energy Association was established in 2006 to "promote the uptake of marine energy in New Zealand". According to their 10 February 2008 newsletter, they have 59 members. However, the association doesn't list its members.
French Pass has the fastest tidal flows in New Zealand
Wave power is the capture of energy of wind waves to do useful work – for example, electricity generation, water desalination, or pumping water. A machine that exploits wave power is a wave energy converter (WEC).
Wave Power Station using a pneumatic Chamber
Pelamis Wave Energy Converter on site at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), in 2008.
Azura at the US Navy’s Wave Energy Test Site (WETS) on Oahu.
The mWave converter by Bombora Wave Power.