Tidal Power Generation Here in BC?

[Dogbreath]

Yes this is fisheries politics since it could impact the run-of-the-river projects that many see as a threat and also the effect of these turbines on fish populations is unknown.

That doesn't mean I'm against the idea not at all just trying to provide some talking points.

So has anyone heard much about tidal power generation here at all?Done right I'm sure it could be a winner but hydro is still relatively cheap so there's a lot to consider.

TIDAL TURBINE POWERS UP IN ORKNEY – HARNESSING SCOTLAND’S TIDAL ENERGY A STEP CLOSER
17/05/2012
An underwater turbine that is set to be used in Scotland’s first and only consented tidal power project has successfully completed an initial testing period in Orkney, and is providing electricity for homes and businesses on the island of Eday, one of Orkney’s northern isles.

The 1MW power generator was installed last December, in some of the worst weather conditions Scotland has experienced in more than a decade, and has since been undergoing a range of tests in the fast flowing tidal waters around Orkney. The initial testing period has been very positive with the device achieving full export power.

The test device in Orkney aims to fully prove that the technology can operate efficiently in Scotland’s fast flowing tides, that monitoring and maintenance operations can be honed and to help drive down costs in operations and installation. ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) plan to use this technology as part of the world’s first tidal turbine array in the Sound of Islay. The company’s plans to develop a 10MW tidal array in Islay received planning consent from the Scottish Government in March 2011.

Keith Anderson, CEO of ScottishPower Renewables said: “The concept of generating electricity from the natural movement of the tide is still relatively new – and test projects like this are vital to help us understand how we can fully realise the potential of this substantial energy source.

“The performance of the first HS1000 device has given us great confidence so far. Engineers were able install the device during atrocious weather conditions, and it has been operating to a very high standard ever since. We have already greatly developed our understanding of tidal power generation, and this gives us confidence ahead of implementing larger scale projects in Islay and the Pentland Firth.

“Scotland has the best tidal power resources in Europe, and that’s why we are seeing world leading technologies tested here. This device is already providing renewable electricity for Orkney, but the potential is there in our waters to make a significant contribution towards our overall energy needs and our carbon reduction targets.”

The HS1000 tidal turbine has been developed by ANDRITZ HYDRO Hammerfest, whose majority shareholder is Andritz Hydro, and also includes partners Iberdrola and Hammerfest Energi. The 1MW machine can power the annual electricity needs of 500 homes. "

Click Here for the rest of this article

 

[Foxsea]

So has anyone heard much about tidal power generation here at all? Done right I'm sure it could be a winner but hydro is still relatively cheap so there's a lot to consider.

Here's a site with an overview. http://www.oceanenergycouncil.com/index.php/Tidal-Energy/Tidal-Energy.html

B.C. and Nova Scotia (Bay of Fundy) particularly, have excellent potential for tidal generation. Underwater turbines seem to have a minor, immediate environmental impact, while having potential to provide significant electrical power, displacing dirty, fossil fuel generation. It's regrettable that B.C. Hydro did not explore this opportunity thoroughly before leaping headlong into the run-of-river fiasco. We taxpayers will be needlessly boosting Brookfield's income statements for another 25 years. I suspect that Hydro made the stupidest business decision since 1985 - when Apple fired Jobs.

 

[firelight]

ya as if I don't lose enough downrigger balls, with that thing down there it might capsize me. Or you just wait above the thing and pick up the fillets.

 

[Foxsea]

ya as if i don't lose enough downrigger balls, with that thing down there it might capsize me. Or you just wait above the thing and pick up the fillets.

LOL

Considering current flows are slower than fish swim:



This is more likely than this:

 

[Ofishal]

There was a tidal turbine in Race Passage a few years ago, not sure if it is still there though.
http://www.cleancurrent.com/technology/rrproject.htm

 

[terrin]

Foxsea it was not B.C. Hydro that made the Private for guaranteed profit run of the river decision it was imposed upon them by the B.C. Liberal govt. and thier insider buddies

 

[Foxsea]

Foxsea it was not B.C. Hydro that made the Private for guaranteed profit run of the river decision it was imposed upon them by the B.C. Liberal govt. and thier insider buddies

Yeah - good point. I guess their Board of Directors rolled over to get their bellies rubbed, too. Pirates!