BBC Home
Explore the BBC
BBC News
Launch consoleBBC NEWS CHANNEL
Languages
Last Updated: Tuesday, 7 December, 2004, 11:03 GMT
Tides could supply 20% of power
Ocean, BBC
Tidal energy could be used to replace petrol driven cars
The Channel Islands could get 20% of its electricity from tidal energy says Jersey Electricity boss Mike Liston.

He spoke about claims by Prof Peter Smith of Nottingham University that the Channel Islands could supply the UK with a third of its electricity needs.

The Channel islands area is thought to be the best location in the British Isles for tidal power.

But Mr Liston said current technology would restrict the amount of power that could be harnessed.

He said: "I don't think Guernsey, Jersey or Alderney will see more than 20% of their electricity coming from these devices simply because the electricity system cannot cope with the variability.

"However, it is very, very feasible that the technology developed in Channel Island waters could be feeding electricity into Europe by being connected to the continental electricity grid."




SEE ALSO:
Tidal waters could help power UK
06 Dec 04 |  Guernsey
Tidal waters could power island
16 Nov 04 |  Guernsey
UK 'green energy' centre created
08 Sep 04 |  Tyne
Warning over tidal energy impact
20 Aug 04 |  Scotland


RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites


PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

News Front Page | World | UK | England | Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales | Politics
Business | Entertainment | Science/Nature | Technology | Health | Education
Have Your Say | Magazine | In Pictures | Week at a Glance | Country Profiles | In Depth | Programmes
Americas Africa Europe Middle East South Asia Asia Pacific