Green energy will require further investment from the government if the sector is to create the growth necessary to facilitate its renewable energy projects, according to an energy trade association.

Over the last decade the government has invested around £60 million in wave and tidal research and development, but RenewableUK believe more is needed to solidify the UK's role as a world leader in renewable technology.

Chief executive of RenewableUK, Maria McCaffrey, said that continued public investment was vital to promote private investment in the sector.

"We have to recognise that if we want to reap the rewards then we are going to need to see more public investment across the entire sector," she explained.

Although difficult to capture, wave power might be one of the best investments in addressing climate change and securing a carbon-free world.

Ms McCaffrey revealed that there is the potential to have 1.4 million homes in the UK powered by wave and tidal energy by 2020.