tidal today

Think we're all pretty much agreed in the merits of Tidal Energy - not just as a renewable and therefore green energy source - but also as a reliable one. But what is it going to take for developers, start ups, utilities, government bodies and prospective commercial investors to work together and push tidal through to the next stage of development?

Commercial deployment is a realistic, if optimistic goal, but there seem to be several large stumbling blocks at the moment holding development back. Securing financial funding is a massive issue - and investors are wary to stump up cash for high risk projects that may not even make it to the water, let alone see the first signs of electricity generation.

Regulation seems tiresome and indeed difficult - especially when sourcing the best tidal resource sites for high productivity, but also potential negative environmental consequences. Is the UK government going to promote universal Feed-In-Tariffs? Hmmm... unlikely, especially when they're currently unsure of what these actually equate to in electrical supply let alone long term investment.

And even if tidal devices do manage to be deploy out at sea, can grid connectivity ever be successfully overcome?

Tidal Energy has a long way to come to reach fullscale deployment, but Rome wasn't built in a day. It was built on vision, commitment and more importantly careful planning. And that's exactly what's needed for Tidal to reach it's full potential.

We think these issues are important and need productive discussion and forward thinking planning to reach beneficial solutions. That's why our 2008 Tidal Energy Summit will set out working group discussions to really tackle these issues for the entore Tidal community to benefit. Have a look at the latest agenda - www.tidaltoday.com/tidal08

We'd like to hear what you've got to say. Why not drop me a line at abbie@tidaltoday.com or sign up for your own account to blog and contribute to our Tidal Today website...