Abstract
The evolution of research and development for the energy use of waves is deeply related to the energy crisis. Currently these technologies, which come from abundant and domestic natural resources, are gaining in importance due to the evident global warming effects and the urgent need to find sustainable solutions.
On another hand, objectives relating to installed capacity have already been presented for this incipient industry, not only by private organizations, but also by public authorities. Consequently ocean energy systems will have to be fabricated, transported, installed, operated and maintained. Therefore, at the present stage, it is fundamental to visualize and map the supply chain opportunities, while achieving a general view of all actions required to bring into operation an installation to harness wave energy.
By analysing previous reports, the present paper aims at offering an overview of the different systems developed for wave energy use and analysing the supply chain opportunities for such technologies in experimental phase.