Alaska turns to tidal power

KNIK ARM, Alaska, Feb. 26 Miami-based Ocean Renewable announced plans to test its tidal power generator prototype in Knik Arm, Alaska.

The yearlong test of the generator will help the company determine efficiency and effects on surrounding environment, including wildlife and tidal flow, the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reported.

The test site was chosen for its access to the electric grid and its fast tides. The current there is about 6 knots on average.

The generator works similarly to a wind turbine. The tide causes lift, which turns the blades, spinning the generator. Much of the research in the last few years done on wind has been used to advance tidal energy. Supporters say tidal power is more reliable than wind.

It's also more visibly appealing since the 10 foot by 48 foot generators are underwater as opposed to the 236 foot by 230 foot wind turbines.

The company plans to have the generator in the water within two years and is hopeful the exploration will lead to a commercial tidal power plant in the near future.

The plant would be 20 megawatts and would cost between $36 and $38 million. Power would cost between 6 and 10 cents per kilowatt hour. Matanuska Electric Association has not expressed interest yet, said Marc Van Dongen, port director at Port McKenzie. Estimates, however, have put the clean tidal power at the same cost of power generated by a proposed coal plant.

Copyright 2007 by UPI

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