> Scotland is aiming to be a world leader in tidal energy. Which I guess makes sense given we're practically surrounded by pretty rough seas.

Rough seas damaging your tidal energy kit are the one thing you don't want.

I have mentioned above that offshore wind has emerged the clear winner with respect to offshore renewable energy. Putting moving parts in salt water is always a tough prospect, and wave/tidal simply cannot scale to the extent wind can.

I hate to say it, but I suggest many of the experimental wave/tidal schemes under trial are simply for green bragging rights and/or to grab funding for green energy projects...... Funding put forward by well meaning bodies that that would be better directed to other renewable energy sources.

EDIT: This is Hacker News, not Reddit. If you disagree with the above please explain why in comments rather than down voting.