Abstract
The rapid development within ocean energy includes a numerous set of different energy converters differentiated both regarding technical scale and resource requirements. While many of the developers focus on resource hot-spots and commercialization in industrial countries, some technologies may benefit from shifting into niche markets in developing countries. Prerequisites for future sustainable implementations of small-scale ocean energy for electrification of rural communities in low latitude developing regions are reviewed using African countries as case study. To meet the ubiquitous need of power generation at village level in remote areas renewable energy systems, often based on solar photovoltaic, are becoming more frequently implemented. Despite choice of energy source, several small rather than fewer large generators may be preferable since development of distribution grids is generally very slow. This paper discusses ocean energy converter concepts in the perspective of appropriate technology for developing country implementation, and its potential benefits of combination with other sources in small grids.