Friday, March 01, 2013

Blog 5: France goes tidal



France is now trying to accelerate its movement to marine renewable energy by making use of the strong tidal currents, one of the strongest in Europe, in a sea passage between Cap de la Hague and Alderney. Delphine Batho, the Prime Minister for Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy, has announced that they are opening a broad consultation of experts to identify the best areas for these “pilot farms.” She has also asked for those with “interest to promote demonstration projects in tidal energy, wave energy, floating wind and ocean thermal technologies.” This plan would help to reach the goal set by French President Francoise Hollande to reduce nuclear power from providing 75% of the nation’s energy to 50% by 2025. He is also promoting the building of a large $130 million dollar offshore windfarm. According to Hollande, France has the second-most potential for tidal energy in Europe, second only to Great Britain.

It was interesting and refreshing to read an article that shows so many people from different departments in their political system that were in agreement about the move to renewable energies. As illustrated by Australia in one of my previous current events posts, renewable energy will soon become more easily affordable than other forms of energy that we have mostly relied on to this point, making it easier for everyone to afford their bills and hopefully save a bit of money. I find it strange that in our culture in America there are so many people and groups who have mobilized in counter-action to the renewable energy movement, yet almost everywhere else in the world this is a much higher level of accordance when it comes to the subject of renewable energy.

Article here 

Jessie White
3/1/13 4:27pm

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