Top 10 Countries by Global Wave Energy Installed Capacity
This ranking covers the cumulative installed capacity of wave energy projects globally as of 2026. As a promising form of renewable energy, wave energy deployment levels reflect a country's progress in marine energy R&D, policy support, and commercial application.
Interesting Facts & Summary
As a veteran powerhouse in the global wave energy sector, the UK maintains its top spot by leveraging its exceptional geographical endowment—consistent Atlantic swells—and decades of strategic policy support.
Notably, the UK's installed wave energy capacity has surged past 1.2 Gigawatts (GW) as of 2026. This capacity is equivalent to the output of three major coal-fired power plants and puts the nation nearly 40% ahead of its closest competitor. In the current energy landscape, wave energy has evolved from a 'niche experiment' into a reliable pillar of the UK's diversified grid. Compared to wind power, wave energy offers superior predictability; even during periods of low wind, it provides a consistent power supply to coastal Scottish communities, perfectly bridging the gap between 'ocean blue' and 'energy green'.
| Rank | Country | Installed Capacity (MW) | Representative Project/Region |
|---|---|---|---|
United Kingdom | 15.5 | European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) | |
China | 12.8 | Wanshan Islands Test Site | |
United States | 9.2 | Pacific Marine Energy Center | |
| 4 | Spain | 7.5 | Mutriku Wave Power Plant |
| 5 | Australia | 6.1 | Albany Wave Energy Technology Development Facility |
| 6 | Portugal | 5.4 | Azores Wave Energy Pilot |
| 7 | Norway | 4.8 | Norwegian Marine Technology Centre |
| 8 | Canada | 4.2 | Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy |
| 9 | Japan | 3.5 | Goto Islands Demonstration Project |
| 10 | France | 2.9 | Brittany Coast R&D Zone |