The aim of this paper is to examine and to determine theoretical possibilities of exploiting the mechanical energy of sea waves in the Adriatic coastal region using the Wells turbine in small oscillating water column hydroplants. In the beginning of the paper there is an insight into the World current trends of electricity production along with an overview of fossil and renewable energy sources that are used for that purpose. Further, as a basis for the main part of the paper, basic concepts related to the sea waves are defined i.e., wave parameters, wave generating mechanism and the basic features of sea waves in Adriatic coast. In addition to theoretical background of waves, basic components, principles and specifics related to oscillating water column power plant along with Wells turbine as major segment of the plant are described. As a part of this graduate thesis, concept design of Wells turbine was designed using the CATIA software package. The model of the turbine is designed for testing in laboratory conditions and while designing it, it was taken into account to ensure the necessary conditions that would enable printing the turbine using the 3D printer and its testing in the laboratory of hydrotechnics on the Faculty of Civil Engineering of Rijeka University. In the end, using derived equations along with adopted premises a preliminary analysis of energy needs was conducted, which displays the amount of electricity that can be generated for the wave conditions in the Adriatic coast using this type of power plants. Based on the obtained results at the end of the paper conclusions were made related to the possibility of applying Wells turbines and small hydro power plants with an oscillating water column for the sea waves regime in the Adriatic coastal region.