Jersey, an island off the coast of
France, is exploring the idea of tidal energy as a new source of energy. Tidal energy generates electricity by using
tides and will create a cheaper form of power for the island in the long run,
however Jersey would have to invest in tidal turbines for this project. The idea came about when the
electricity went out last year due to a break in their cable system and they
had to rely on France for their electricity needs. The Environmental Minister wants to completely cut reliance
on cables so they are investing in this renewable but “experimental”
source. The Environmental Minister
says that with harnessing this new power they could become energy
self-sufficient within a decade.
The plan wants to reduce GHG
emissions by 80% by 2050. While
this is a very admirable goal there are questions of whether or not it is a
good idea economically. Deputy Rob
Duhamel believes that while it will be an expensive venture to generate a whole
island’s worth of energy, the investment will be worth it in the end. While the deputy believes this is a
step in the right direction some have their doubts. Fishermen are afraid that these tidal turbines will restrict
their fishing but Nic Jouault, a marine biologist with Societe Jersialis says
that if the turbines are placed well enough it will not affect fishing too
much. He does however worry that
this investment is much too experimental and would like to see Jersey investing
in already proven methods such as wind and solar energy.
While there are questions about
financial burdens the potential for tidal energy is being explored more through
a commission launched by the Environment Department. Louise Magris, the director of environmental policy, sees
tidal energy as a resource that should be harnessed, especially in Jersey,
because they are surrounded by the resource.
It
is very interesting that many countries and cities are turning to tidal power
as an option to generate energy.
While there are many financial questions surrounding this “experimental”
step in alternative energy it is working with a resource that is abundant and
may very well be a logical option for energy efficiency for the island. I would like to learn more about the
exact plans that are being set in action for these tidal turbines and the
locations in which they will go in order to allow the fishing companies to
continue to prosper while still providing energy for a whole island.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-jersey-21844817
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