Comment:Visions | Tidal-and-wave-energy

Tidal and Wave Energy

Programme: Energy from the tides

October 1, 2010 in Tidal and Wave Energy

The seas and oceans are one of this planet’s greatest resources. The movement of
waves and tides are a naturally occurring phenomenon and, like the sun and wind, can be harnessed to produce vast amounts of electrical energy. Marine energy has not, thus far, attracted the investment that the former have done, though its potential is slowly being recognised. Comment Visions October programme interviews Peter Fraenkel, Technical Director of Marine Current Turbines. Peter Fraenkel is the engineer behind Seagen, the world’s first commercial electrical turbine that uses the tides to generate 1.2 megawatts
of electricity in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland. Seagen will be tested in the Pentland Firth project in Scotland where Marine Current Turbines is planning to use its technology to produce up to 300 Mw by 2020.

Discussion: Is lack of investment the only challenge holding back wave and tidal energy?