Peter Fraenkel, of MCT, addressing the Channel Islands Group of Professional Engineers last week. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0861056)

TIDAL power is ready to come to Guernsey, according to mechanical engineer Peter Fraenkel.

He said the technology now worked and money was the only limitation.

Mr Fraenkel was in the island to speak to the Channel Islands Group of Professional Engineers about tidal turbines.

He is technical director of Marine Current Turbines, which runs the only commercial example in Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland.

Guernsey was better placed than Jersey to make the most of the technology, he said.

‘Jersey is tucked away. The Channel funnels the tidal water, but Cap de la Hague gets in the way. The water rushes around the headland causing strong currents around Guernsey and Alderney.’

Guernsey Electricity has invested in MCT to ensure access to the latest information but Mr Fraenkel did not believe the company was ready to install a turbine.

‘They see it is too good a technology to be ignored,’ he said. ‘Tidal power is a concentrated energy source, as well as being clean and predictable. But it is seen as new, risky and expensive right now. Not until people invest in it will the price come down.’

Mr Fraenkel admitted there have been some problems with the technology, which is two years behind schedule.