Tidal power, the science of harnessing the rise and fall of ocean waters to create energy, is receiving more green lights around the world. In the UK, the first tidal generator of its kind is expected to begin construction shortly.
tidal power


“SeaGen turbines are basically simple propellers, mounted in pairs on a heavy pile sunk into the seabed. The big props are driven by fast-flowing tides, generating potentially useful amounts of electricity. Underwater maintenance is expensive even in benign conditions and prohibitively difficult in fast tides, so the propeller assemblies are designed to be raised out of the water for maintenance or repairs.”

The turbines turn so slowly that they’ve been signed off as a non-threat to marine life. Quipping that their energy production “is about as predictable as the tides” industry players feel confident that more countries will turn to the technology to resolve their energy woes; especially with such a consistent source available. Engineers estimate more than five knots of flow at peak spring tides and 20 to 30 metres depth is a viable location for the tech. The UK installation will produce about 1 megawatt of energy.

In the Bay of Fundy in North America, the highest tides in the world may lead to the construction of a massive installation to capture 15% of energy produced daily. One area, called The Minas Passage, might produce as much as 152 megawatts, powering 117,000 homes. Nice, clean, green, consistent energy.

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