The advantages for using tidal energy over fossil fuels are plentiful. Tidal energy is a clean renewable energy resource which produces none of the harmful emissions that contribute to global warming. By increasing our usage of renewable resources such as tidal energy we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Tidal energy generation and consumption creates no pollution, has little visual impact and the energy is completely predictable as tides are active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Why Tidal Energy in Ireland?

The tides that sweep around the coast of Ireland can be harnessed to produce a clean, renewable energy resource for this country. At present 98% of Ireland’s total energy consumption comes from non- renewable sources. We need to move away from being so heavily dependent on unreliable imported energy. The most recent government targets require that 33% of electricity consumption will be from renewable sources by 2020, made up in part by at least 500MW of installed ocean energy capacity. These targets have been set to contribute to security of energy supply and reduced carbon emissions.

Tidal stream energy unlike wind or wave is a predictable source of renewable energy. The tidal stream energy industry is rapidly developing with over 80 devices in development internationally. Demonstration projects by a number of manufacturers have been successful and these machines are now progressing to second generation models.