Scientists are working on the world's first operational wave power station, which they say would be able to supply a small coastal village with electricity.

In an interview on Monday, You Yage said his research team recently completed a test for the most advanced wave power system so far.

You is chief scientist for the Ocean Energy Division of the Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, attached to the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

With patented technology on the energy-storage systems needed, Chinese researchers are leading the world in developing stable electricity flow generated by waves, You said.

You said the test met technical expectations and is shock-resistant and stable. The generator produced about six kilowatts, better than diesel generators with similar capacity.

This equipment could be used for electricity for light, computers, air conditioners and seawater desalination, the scientist said.

He said wave power is one of the most unstable powers in the world. UK and Portuguese scientists are also investigating wave power, but their work has so far failed to reach technical expectations.

You said his team would soon be able to build a complete wave power station, but he was not so upbeat about large-scale commercialization in the near future.

The research is being financed by the Ministry of Science and Technology under its state high technology research and development project as well as with CAS funds for strategic research.

Scientists worldwide have long been considering using waves to generate power. They hope the unending motion of seawater could provide humans with an endless power supply. However, current technology for stations is expensive and hard to maintain.

According to You, a small station with a total generation capacity of 50 kilowatts could produce 26,300 kwh in a year, which could sufficiently supply electricity for a seaside town with fewer than 240 families in residence.

(Xinhua News Agency January 26, 2005)