They're two completely different breeds, but finally scientists and surfers have been able to agree on one thing - the power of a good wave.

After months of construction, the world's first wave farm off the coast of Portugal has started generating power for 1,500 homes.

Consisting of three 130m by 4m Pelamis sea snake-like wave energy converters (more pics), Agucadoura can generate 2.25 megawatts.

Basically, the sea snakes are connected by hinges and bob up and down with the waves. The hinges are resisted by hydraulic rams that pump fluid through hydraulic motors that turn electrical generators that make power.

This power is fed via an underwater cable to shore.

Scottish firm Pelamis Wave Power hopes to build another 21 sea snakes next year to increase capacity.

Soon it'll be the scientists yelling "surf's up, dude!"