Lunar Energy, a British tidal power company, and Korean Midland Power Company have joined forces to develop the world's largest tidal power project in the Wando Hoenggan waterway.
Each of the huge 1 MW turbines that will be used for that project will be 15 meters in diameter and over 19 meters long. Due to their size, the turbines will be placed in deep water to avoid endangering ships. Expected to be fully operational by 2015, the project would provide enough energy to power 200,000 homes. This new power scheme is also expected to have less environmental impact that traditional tidal power installations, known as "tidal barrages", which, according to the Telegraph, "take away mudflats important to birds and impede the passage of migratory fish such as salmon, shad and eels."
Lunar Energy is also exploring the feasibility of installing similar systems in the UK.
Mega Tidal Power Project
Alternative Energy System Could Power 200,000 Homes
Trend Themes
1. Tidal Power Projects - The tidal power industry can benefit from the development of similar large-scale projects that provide renewable energy for thousands of homes while minimizing the environmental impact.
2. Deep Water Turbines - The development of 1 MW turbines that can be placed in deep water can revolutionize the renewable energy industry, as it allows the exploitation of more ocean areas for renewable energy production.
3. Collaborative Partnerships - Collaborations between companies from different countries can lead to the development of innovative energy solutions, as seen in the joint venture between Lunar Energy and Korean Midland Power Company.
Industry Implications
1. Tidal Energy - The tidal energy industry can benefit from the development of large-scale projects that efficiently harness ocean tides' energy while reducing the environmental impact.
2. Renewable Energy - The renewable energy industry can benefit from the development of more efficient and scalable energy systems that are less damaging to ecosystem services compared to their non-renewable counterparts.
3. International Trade - International trade can lead to collaborative partnerships that can drive innovation and bring forth new, sustainable energy solutions for our global community.