CleanBeta

Tidal Energy Makes a Splash

The DOE has recently announced a program to provide up to $7.5 million in funds for research on water power systems and development of hydrokinetic technologies. The funds will be used to investigate a variety of issues related to the process of using water to produce electricity, including testing and development of new advanced methods.

Most notably, the program provides funds for research into tidal energy, which uses large underwater turbines to harness the ebb and flow of the sea and convert the power of waves into electricity. Some critics allege that this process may turn our oceans into a blender, which would not be preferrable if you were a fish. Luckily, the DOE’s recent plans also include funding for the establishment of 3 National Marine Renewable Energy Centers, which will allow researchers to investigate the impacts tidal energy may have on marine life before implementing it on a large scale.