Lisa Simpson
Aug 21,2009
In: Finance

The Focus Is on the Oceans as New Source of Energy

lamp_ideia

Three fourths of our planet consists of water and it is this that is going to come to our rescue. Research is being carried on to tap the power of the ocean currents and waves. But it is feared that this will have ‘cuisinart’ effect on fish.

Only 15 miles distant from the coast of Florida courses the most powerful ocean current – the Gulf Stream that always sustains its flow. It rushes on at about 8.5 billion gallons in a second. It never pauses.

For scientists it presents a tempting possibility of new, overflowing, ceaseless source of energy that is clean. The researchers of Florida Atlantic University opine that the Gulf Stream could one day be operated to push thousands of turbines nestling under the waves. It could be able to produce energy to run 10 nuclear plants and feed a third of Florida’s appetite for electricity. Within few months a mini turbine will be installed.

Fredrick Driscoll of Centre of Excellence in Ocean Energy Technology of Florida is optimistic that power can be produced round the clock for seven days in a week. The state has granted $5 million for research purposes. The university is working to develop this technology hoping that the idea will catch on and jumbo firms will come forward to construct rows of big underwater turbines.

Crossing international boundaries these researchers are eyeing the oceans – its currents, waves and tides to tap the infinite source of energy. But as yet no commercial projects for producing electricity in this manner have started. The technology is still in its nascent stage and it is too early to calculate costs. But the researchers are hopeful that it will not be costlier than fossil fuel. The initial investment however will be relatively higher but the currents that will propel the machinery come free direct from Mother Nature.

There are however many risks that have not been calculated. One fear is that of the ‘cuisinart effect’. The churning blades could slice and chop the fish and other creatures of the sea. It would not pose much risk to the ships that pass as the machinery would be anchored to the floor of the ocean. The blades at the top would spin at 30’ to 40’ below the water surface because it is at this level that the Gulf Stream runs it’s fastest. The ship’s natural navigation system would steer it away before the hulls reach that depth.