Abstract
Reliable figures for the life cycle impacts of power generation are needed to inform developments of the energy system and enable market trading of environmental credits. Marine energy is likely to form a significant part of the future energy mix in the UK and the Pelamis wave energy converter is emerging as one of the most promising devices in this sector. This study examines the environmental impacts of the Pelamis. By comparison with the results of an earlier carbon and energy audit for the same device, the implications of practitioner decisions on LCA results are investigated, specifically with regards to the allocation method for dealing with materials recycling.