Turning Tidal
A submerged turbine is turning one of the world’s fastest tidal areas into a power generator in Northern Ireland.
Strangford Lough, near Belfast runs cold, swift and deep, and is one of the fastest tidal areas in the world. Under the surface lies a submerged turbine that looks like a cross between an airplane propeller and an underwater windmill, converting the energy of tidal flows into electricity.
Green, clean and unlikely to harm marine life, the 300-tonne turbine is generating enough electricity to power 1,000 houses. Oliver Steeds travels to Northern Ireland’s coast to find out about the potential of tidal power.
Published On 19 Nov 2011