ELECTRICITY generated by the tides off the island’s coast could become reality in less than five years, an expert said yesterday. Peter Fraenkel, technical director of Marine Current Turbines, spoke on the developing technology at this week’s Energy Networks Association health and safety conference at Beau Sejour. He praised the potential the islands had for harnessing tidal power.
‘It may be reasonably close,’ he said.
The company has plans for a significant development off Anglesey in 2009/10, once testing of the first full-size twin rotor system, rated at 1MW and connected to an electricity grid, starts later this year off Northern Ireland. It is part-funded by the UK Department of Trade and Industry.
‘I see no reason why we shouldn’t do a project here a little later - maybe a year or so later.’
Possible sites are being investigated with Guernsey Electricity, which holds a £250,000-stake in the company.
GE managing director Ian Watson said the utility was benefiting from information and the financial potential of the investment.
‘And this puts us at the forefront of the technology. If they can roll it out, our investment could be worth a lot of money in the future.’
Prof. Fraenkel, who proposes the technology as an alternative to fossil fuel electricity generation, admitted he was frustrated at the lack of progress on tidal power since his company’s first commercial-scale experimental rotor was installed off Devon in 2003.
But the company had now developed a good working relationship with the authorities and he was expecting success in the next few years, which could lead to the company selling out to a big name in electricity generation or a listing on London’s Alternative Investment Market.
‘To start with, things went very slowly and cost more than they needed to and we had to raise more money. But that’s finished now and we have got enough money to get in the water. When we are turning and burning, people will see it works - that it’s not just a mad idea - and it will attract the support it needs to take it further.’
He expects tidal power to at least compete with offshore wind generation in years to come.
Prof. Fraenkel said he valued the Guernsey Electricity’s stake in his company, not least in attracting interest from other utilities.
‘Guernsey and the Channel Islands are obviously a big market for us,’ he said.
‘This is an important new industry that may in future be a key source of power for islands like Guernsey.’
* The conference, which has attracted more than 200 delegates - including one from Australia - concludes today.
Article posted on 27th April, 2007 - 12.00am
Loading ...
Most Commented: