Enabling factors to make ocean wave power a competitive renewable energy source : case studies on modern wave energy companies in Scotland and Sweden

Abstract: Wave power represents a major source of potential energy to address the global energy demand and modern climate issues. Although it has a huge potential, the current status shows that the source has not been harvested on a commercial scale yet. This is even the case in Scotland and Sweden, who have a modern industry development and a strong focus on their renewable energy portfolio. The focus of this study is the wave power industry in these two countries. The aim of this research is to explore enabling factors to make ocean wave power a competitive renewable energy source in Scotland and Sweden. The theoretical perspectives used to explore this phenomenon consisted in three concepts: Competitive Strategy, Supply Chain Management and Economics of Innovation and Technology. A mixed-method, the sequential exploratory approach, has been used. As first sequence, qualitative data collection through several business case studies has been conducted. The case studies where enriched by semi-structured interviews. A mixed survey directed to an international wave developer population was the main source of quantitative data in the second sequence of the research approach. As key results, 30 enabling strategic, supply chain and technological factors could be identified. These factors could be recognized in the three themes strategy, supply chain and technology and innovation to hinder the competitiveness of wave power in the past for both countries. Strategically implementing these factors enables wave power to become a solid element of the energy mix in Scotland and Sweden in the future.