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13 November 2014

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You are in: Jersey > Nature > Time to tap the tides?

Tidal Power

Time to tap the tides?

Jersey could one day harness the power of the sea to generate electricity…

According to a group set up to investigate the possibility of generating tidal power in the island, Jersey could one day harness the power of the sea to generate electricity.

Tidal Power (© TIM MCCAIG)

The Tidal Power Steering Group has published a report saying that tidal power could ensure the security of the island's energy needs for the rest of this century.

The report says the members unanimously believe that the possibility of generating electricity from tidal power should be 'actively pursued'.

The group has made a number of recommendations, and says it would be a good idea if all the Channel Islands could work together to exploit tidal power.

The report also suggests that Jersey should invest £500,000 in researching the issue further, including an environmental impact study.

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Grouville Constable Dan Murphy, who chairs the steering group, says it could cost around thirty million pounds to build a tidal power plant.

If the project gets off the ground, it would cost millions of pounds, but Constable Dan Murphy says that shouldn't be an obstacle to greener energy.

He told BBC Jersey: "that shouldn't be a problem because Sark I know advertise on the internet for expressions of interest into their situation.

“They've got a couple of spots between Sark and Guernsey and they had 25 replies of which 15 were major international utility companies - so the interest is there I can guarantee you that."

last updated: 22/12/2008 at 10:45
created: 22/12/2008

Have Your Say

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Tim
Putting aside the obvious enviromental benefits, the Channel Islands could be sitting on a morally, ecological and economic gold rush from the natural resources on our collective doorsteps. By harnessing this in years to come and taking part in shaping the growing industry, we could take a major lead by providing research, teaching and engineering industries that provide people with alternative employment and an industry that could rival the finance sector. Despite the recession, this is an area that we should look at with hope & optimism if the political will is there to make it happen. Imagine President Obama not only mentioning the Channel Islands but visiting us to applaud our efforts in renewable and sustainable energy production!

Gary Williams
Electricity from the Tidal Streams.I have a large Project in mind.Would be pleased to hear from you to explain.Contact me on:-(01273)455100 or email:[email protected]

Brands
An outstanding idea! Jersey has the 2nd largest tidal difference in Europe and the 3rd largest in the world. It would be foolish not to tap into this natural resource.

I hope that the States can buttress this eco-philosophy with some wind farms (I wonder if the Minquers would be a suitable spot for them?)

Let us not forget that we are very dependent on imported hydro-carbons for the generation of power. If such projects were to come to fruition, it would be possible to reduce this unhealthy dependency.

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