A method of free wave energy protection for a half-wavelength line based on a one-sided current includes: performing sampling and calculation on a current at protection measuring points to obtain variations in current sampling values; and activating a protective element to determine an occurrence time of a fault in a half-wavelength line. A free wave energy protection section includes a quick-action section, a basic section and a sensitive section, wherein the quick-action section, the basic section and the sensitive section serve as action criteria for performing protection with respect to the free wave energy of the half-wavelength line.