As an island nation, Australia has for a long time had the potential to harness ocean tides to generate electricity, but now one company’s turbine design illustrates how widespread power generation is a real possibility. Mako Energy’s underwater turbines can each power 20 homes and are suitable for rivers as well as the sea.
Initially intended to generate electricity for remote and island communities, coastal businesses and resorts, this tidal energy solution, if it catches on, presents a pathway for Australia to move away from its reliance on fossil fuel, with the national grid currently mostly powered by coal-fired stations.
Renewable energy is in its infancy in Australia, and while wind and solar projects are increasing, tidal energy has the advantage of being constant (unlike wind and solar). The drawbacks at the moment are cost – tidal power plants are currently much more expensive to build than the alternative green sources – and the unknown effect of the facilities on marine wildlife.
However, Mako Energy believes that in time its turbines will become more cost-effective, while research could reveal ways to ensure the safety of sea animals. The government is also supporting various tidal and wave projects, suggesting that this form of energy generation has a future as part of Australia’s growing renewables sector.
further reading…
As an island nation, Australia has for a long time had the potential to harness ocean tides to generate electricity, but now one company’s turbine design illustrates how widespread power generation is a real possibility. Mako Energy’s underwater turbines can each power 20 homes and are suitable for rivers as well as the sea.
Initially intended to generate electricity for remote and island communities, coastal businesses and resorts, this tidal energy solution, if it catches on, presents a pathway for Australia to move away from its reliance on fossil fuel, with the national grid currently mostly powered by coal-fired stations.
Renewable energy is in its infancy in Australia, and while wind and solar projects are increasing, tidal energy has the advantage of being constant (unlike wind and solar). The drawbacks at the moment are cost – tidal power plants are currently much more expensive to build than the alternative green sources – and the unknown effect of the facilities on marine wildlife.
However, Mako Energy believes that in time its turbines will become more cost-effective, while research could reveal ways to ensure the safety of sea animals. The government is also supporting various tidal and wave projects, suggesting that this form of energy generation has a future as part of Australia’s growing renewables sector.