the pyisics of alternative energy

I am studying forms of alternative energy for Participation in government class. Since we are studying waves in physics right now, I figured that I would focus on wave energy and how exactly it works. The generators and power cables are placed in the water, usually close to shore. The magnets are placed in a mechanical harmony with the electric wires, like we learned in the last unit with generators. The wave generator works the same way, except instead of fossil fuels the generator uses the mechanical energy generated by the wave. In addition to the up and down motion of a wave, there is circular motion generated to anything floating on top. A floating object is actually moved in a circle, which generates the mechanical power needed to generate electricity. I will post a video of this shortly, when I can figure out how to get the file onto my computer. It's actually pretty interesting!