Tidal power in the UK offer huge benefits for us to switch to a low carbon economy.
- silent,
- invisible,
- predictable,
- renewable energy
Initial estimates put total Tidal Range at 8% of the UK's total electrical needs,5% of which could be generated from the Severn river Alone (Whether Barrage,Lagoon,Fence,Reef ,other or combination is still to be decided (with build time for the Severn Barrage to exceed 10 years and cost over £15 Billion ,cost comparative with New build Nuclear ,without the toxic radioactive waste).
A detailed proposal for Tidal Range with a variety of flexible options at Liverpool docks is well advanced and could total 1550 MW ( same as a nuclear power plant without the toxic,finite waste ) ,(http://www.merseytidalpower.co.uk/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=16&Itemid=33) ,with construction planned for 2020 should permission be granted.
Tidal flow devices are still in their infancy but it is eagerly hoped that with the enhanced ROC rates for wave and tidal as of April 2009 we will see rapid progress,with the Pentland Firth one of the first areas Lincensed with the potential for 2GW,dependent on National grid limitations and far more areas too come ,including off Northern Ireland at Torr Head with Open Hydro and Bord Gais recently awarded the rights for 100Mw.
http://www.openhydro.com/news/101012.html
