[Mootle]

Agree with David that conservation, efficiency, and usage are key areas to address; much easier to make savings there than generate cheap green energy.  Although I see no reason that this shouldnt be in tandem with new schemes - just that the new ideas cannot be seen as an alternative to cutting our baseline usage.

on the tidal issue - Geezer and BC wrote some great posts about tidal energy a year or so ago.  You gotta do the maths; sometimes the energy returns really don't match up with common-sense expectations - and that's the theoretical maximum return, not the actual return after countless losses and inefficiency within the generation process. 

http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=41578.0

Hi Imatfaal,

Not sure why you're citing the linked thread as an example of an overstated claim?

Whilst it took a long time to get the message across, the final analysis (albeit begrudgingly) was that the initial claims were theoretically possible.

The thread has been followed up (as promised,) by a Scaled Animation which will hopefully go some way to addressing some of your reservations;

http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=45978.0

I'm currently working on a Construction Animation and I'm pleased to say that that there has been good levels of interest and encouragement from potential industry partners.

Best regards,

Mootle

[Mootle]

It was reported last September by the Guardian that the department of energy and climate change had commissioned a report from the Crown Estates on the available of tidal energy around the UK shore lines.
The report revealed that there was the potential of extract 153,000 MW of energy. The question is how can we get at this energy?  Surely, wind power is good but is it an unpredictable source and we need to keep the grid running at peak evening times not just when the wind blows.
CliveS

Hi CliveS

I think this is the referred report (apologies if someone has already provided during the thread)?

http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/media/355255/uk-wave-and-tidal-key-resource-areas-project.pdf

If so, it explains the basis for the Crown Estates projections.

You can find some more recent related information:

http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/news-media/news/2013/looking-to-invest-in-wave-and-tidal-energy-arrays/

The key to getting this type of renewable energy system to make sense is storage. Low grade energy can be accumulated and then released in a controllable way to meet peak demand.

Cheers,

Mootle