Having vast numbers of small WEC units on the one hand might seem very inefficient due to the necessary handling; 30 kW is very small deal on utility scale. However, Seabased uses the linear actuator principle in which there is direct conversion of motion to electric current. This is a great advantage as there are no intermediate high pressure hydraulic circuits and turbines to worry about. Waves tend to be rather slow (~0.1 cycles per sec) and magnetic induction works best at higher oscillating frequencies (directly proportional). Hence there a restriction on the power that can be generated by each unit. (Other factors are also involved.)
If drilled moorings are to be used the underwater costs tend to be reasonably high (jack-up rig, etc) and they are not moveable, but for a small power generator there is the possibility of just lowering a precast heavy concrete base with most of the generator tower already attached. That could be efficient. Just how the trade-offs of one system against the other are going to work out will be the fascinating question to watch.
No simple answer yet to your question, Bonus.
Juke
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