163: the tide turns for renewable energy

Great news today from the UK's Independent newspaper, which reports the start of a new era in British power generation - tidal power. According to the article, the UK has the best tide and wave energy resources anywhere in the world - particularly in areas such as the seas north of Scotland and Northern Ireland and off the Cornish coast in South-West England, but also at the mouths of its many rivers, loughs and estuaries. In addition, UK engineers appear to be leading the way in development of new technologies. For years, innovation in this area has been hampered by a lack of government and investor support, but a few niche engineering companies worked to develop demonstration technologies and prove the concept. The fruits of their labour are now evident, and the UK government has bought in. Implementing this new technology won't be easy, but I think we can bet on these engineers not giving up, especially once the tide of public opinion is behind them.