A UK engineer has invented a device that harnesses wave power to pump sea water uphill, from where it can flow downhill to create hydroelectricity, raising hopes of a cheap, abundant source of renewable energy.

A test version pumped water 160 ft above sea level using wave motion. A full-sized version could pump to 650 ft. and generate electricity for 470 homes.

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The turbine is mounted underwater, on a tethered barge. So, not only is it portable, it requires no dams or other expensive investments, plus there’s very little needed in terms of regulatory processes.

From the company, Hydro Green Power

Hydro kinetic technologies describe the ability to produce zero emission renewable power (energy) from the movement of water. Unlike traditional/ conventional hydropower, which requires an impoundment of water usually created by a large dam, no large infrastructures are required eliminating negative side effects to the environment and marine life.

This is an innovative, inexpensive way to get hydro power in all sorts of new places.

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