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Paper short abstract:

Why has it proven so difficult to use ocean waves as a source of energy? This paper will consider one specific attempt to solve the problems of ocean wave power conversion in 1970s and 80s Norway in a global context of ocean energy issues.

Paper long abstract:

For centuries, engineers and scientists have sought to capture some of the oceans' enormous potential to generate power and electricity. However, attempts to harness this energy resource have been riddled with numerous problems, and there are currently very few commercially viable energy systems that are based on ocean wave conversion technology. Why has it proven so difficult to use ocean waves as a source of energy? In this paper I will consider one specific attempt to solve the problems of ocean wave power. In 1973, prompted by the energy crisis, a research group at the Norwegian Institute of Technology started to design a technology to capture ocean wave energy. Their idea was based on rethinking the nature of ocean waves. Eventually a set of full-scale test sites was established along the shores of Western Norway, which were destroyed by the Winter storms in 1989. Today, these sites are abandoned ruins, a fading memorial to the recurring dream of harnessing the power of the ocean. Drawing on theory and methodology from the history of science, engineering and technology I will analyse previously unused archival sources, oral history and public administration records related to ocean wave energy conversion in 1970s to 1990s Norway. The overall aim of my research is to trace the historical development of some pertinent instances of how the ocean space was sought transformed into a resource in the visions for an alternative energy future