Current affairs
In the Arctic town of Harstad Hydra Tidal is developing technology to harness the vast energy potential of the world's low-speed tidal and ocean currents.
The patented Morild technology generates electricity from low-speed tidal and ocean currents. (Photo: Hydro Tidal)
Norway has over 83000 kilometers of coastline. Of course there has to come some good ideas out of this. The Morild power plant is a floating, moored construction based on the same principle as horizontal axis wind turbines. The plant has 4 two-blade underwater turbines and can utilize the energy potential in tidal and ocean currents. For maintenance, water ballast is pumped out and the plant is elevated to surface.
Morild in operation. The plant is barely visible in the surface. (Photo: Hydra Tidal)
Flexible, efficient and recyclable
The technology is based on a floating structure which is flexible in relation to localization. This is because the plant is easy to relocate (it can be towed by boat). Mooring is done with known anchoring technology in tidal areas and with suction anchors at deeper sites with ocean currents.
80% of the plant can be recycled after its life span, which is more than 30 years. The turbines are made out of glued wood. This material can handle tough ocean environments and they last very long. After the turbines' life end, they can be chopped and used in a bio energy power plant for example.
Hydra Tidal has, in cooperation with Harstad University College and the Science Part North AS, made a report about CO2 emissions in connection with the production of a complete Morild power plant. CO2 emissions are 40% lower than that of onshore wind power.
On October 7 2009, Enova, the public office for the promotion of efficient energy use and production of new renewable sources of energy, granted Hydro Tidal € 2,7 million for developing a prototype of their current and tidal power plant.
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Current affairs
In the Arctic town of Harstad Hydra Tidal is developing technology to harness the vast energy potential of the world's low-speed tidal and ocean currents.
