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Abstract—Wave energy will have a key role in meeting re-newable energy targets en route to a low carbon economy. How-ever, in common with other renewables, it may be sensitive to changes in climate resulting from rising carbon emissions. Changes in wind patterns are widely anticipated and this will ultimately alter wave regimes. Indeed, evidence indicates that wave heights have been changing over the last 40 years, al-though there is no proven link to global warming. Changes in the wave climate will impact on wave energy conversion. Where the resource is restricted there may be reductions in energy exports and consequently negative economic impacts. On the other hand, increased storm activity will increase installation survival risks. Here, a study is presented that, for the first time, indicates the sensitivity of wave energy production and econom-ics to changes in climate. Index Terms—Wave energy, meteorology, oceanography, cli