Marine energy has the potential to play a significant role in the
decarbonisation of the UK's electricity supply [1] but no form of
generation is without social or environmental impact [2]. While
much research effort has focused on the technological, economic,
and institutional barriers to widespread deployment [1], few
definitive statements can be made as to the social and ecological
impacts of marine energy development, as the majority of devices
are still undergoing commercial tests and vary considerably in
terms of design and operation.
Although renewable energy is supported by the vast majority of
people [3], reluctance to invest and public opposition to siting
decisions remain significant obstacles to the expansion of renewable
energy in the UK and Europe [4]. The development of marine
energy is further restricted by uncertainties regarding the cumulative
impacts of energy extraction on marine ecosystems and a
lack of baseline environmental data [5–8]. For marine energy to be
truly sustainable, its social and ecological impacts must be
identified and measures by which to mitigate adverse effects
established before devices are deployed in large arrays. To inform
future research and encourage environmentally-sensitive developments,
this review aims to identify the most significant social
and ecological issues associated with wave and tidal current
energy generation. Where appropriate, relevant knowledge is
drawn from offshore oil, gas, and wind power developments. This
review is primarily focused on the development of marine energy
in the UK but its findings are relevant to marine energy developments
worldwide.