| The Biggest Turbine in The World for Tidal Energy Is Now Operating |
| 13 October 2010 |
|
Tidal energy is one of the less known and less exploited types of renewable energy, despite the fact that tides are able to guarantee a significantly predictable amount of energy power in certain conditions. This lack of usage is mainly due to the technical difficulties encountered using large turbines, most of which are prototypes developed in Europe. At the end of August, however, the biggest turbine for tidal energy was installed on an offshore seabed on the coast of the Orkney Isles, close to the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), by the Atlantis Resources Corporation. AK1000, the name of this 1MW turbine, is 22,5 metres tall, the same height as a seven storey building, and weighs 1,300 tonnes. It holds a twin set of 18 meter diameter rotors, which are able to produce electric energy for at least one thousand houses. Since the turbines whirl at just six to eight revolutions per minute, this guarantees a very low impact on the sea environment." |
SD Community
Sino-Italian
Sustainable
Development
Community
Isola di San Servolo
30100 Venice
ITALY
T +39 041 2719511
F +39 041 2719510
E sdcommunity@univiu.org