If you’ve done any sailing in your life you’ll know that sea currents can be powerful and significant when navigating channels. These sea currents can move water at alarming rates which is why they have the potential to become great sources of renewable energy.

Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon on earth’s oceans. So, when the sun and the moon are on the same side of the earth the tide is at it’s highest on that side, at the same time the lowest tides are happening on the other side of the planet. Currents are caused by the constant change in tide levels around the earth. As the tide goes in and out the ocean water is moving in and out of channels and inlets generating fast moving water currents. This is where tidal power is a viable energy source.

Tidal power generators are similar to wind turbines except they live under the water. As water moves past the turbines they spin and rotate generators converting the motion into electricity. The turbines have to be in deep enough water to avoid shipping. It is unclear how sea life is affected by the spinning turbines and the sounds of the generators.

Another tidal power generating system is the barrage which may have more effect on the ecosystem because it spans the width of a channel reducing the amount of water exchange with the ocean plus fish and sediment movements.

ScottishPower is investigating the possibilities of implementing the largest tidal-powered energy farm capable of powering 40,000 homes.  These renewable energy sources need to be installed and tested so we can move forward with the ones that work best with the least harm on the eco-system.

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