Changing PlacesÌýtells stories about greening Britain - initiatives byÌýindividuals, local communities,Ìýgovernment or multi-national corporations that contribute to a sustainable future.
Wave Power
FridayÌý10 February
Dylan Winter explores what the seas around Britain can do to help contribute to providing renewable sources of energy which reduce carbon emissions.
The first turbine for tidal power developed by Marine Current Turbines has been sitting off Lynmouth on the North Devon coast for the last two years. While "SeaFlow" has not been connected to the grid, its success has led to the development of the next stage of turbine which will be connected to the grid. "SeaGen" is a twin rotor turbine which will be placed in Strangford Narrows in Northern Ireland.
The West Country is well served by waves as any surfer will tell you. The South West Regional Development Agency is investing in the "Wave Hub". This unique development is effectively an underwater electrical socket which will sit on the seabed. Wave energy devices will be able to plug into its four available ports and send electricity back down a cable to the shore.
While onshore and offshore wind turbines cause concern due to the way they impact on the visual landscape, most of the wave and tidal energy generators are submerged and as most sit ten miles out to sea.
Dylan also finds out from conservation bodies what impact the construction and placing ofÌýtidal turbines and wave farms might have on the environment and wildlife.
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