Abstract
The purpose of this chapter is to present the basic concepts of ocean wave energy conversion as an extension to the supporting subjects presented earlier in this handbook so that they can be useful to scientists, engineers and inventors. Although new research regarding all wave energy conversion aspects has been unveiling continuously over the past few decades and is expected to remain so in the foreseeable future, they are based on only a few fundamental wave energy conversion techniques. These methods are described and their uses and performance are illustrated. Finally, an account of several recent developments and advances in ocean wave energy research is presented as an appendix with an emphasis to commercialization of different technologies in conjunction with their financial viability, techno-economic, and environmental impact.