USA: NJ Holds Great Tidal Energy Potential

A new study published by Natural Currents Energy Services, LLC, a company devoted to developing tidal power generation, says the tides of the New Jersey shore offer enough energy to power 200,000 homes.

“At about $5 million per Mega Watt installed, that’s a $2 billion investment opportunity to create jobs and provide clean energy,” says Roger Bason, president of the Highland, NY-based company.

Bason’s company has, over the last 10 years, developed and introduced patented designs for tidal turbine systems, which have been tested both onshore and offshore.

“Tidal energy is clean, renewable, and highly predictable,” explains Bason. “If tidal technology is installed along the reach of the shoreline, constant power will be produced as the tides change, unlike the intermittent power from solar and wind.” It’s that predictability that makes tidal power very attractive to utility companies.

The total number of existing installations is still small, however some studies anticipate a 700% increase in installations over the next five years.

The issues of regulation and public acceptance in New Jersey still accounts for the major factor in the overall speed of ocean renewable development.

[mappress]

Offshore WIND staff, March 15, 2012