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7 April 2008 - The UK government has gave permission for a prototype tidal stream generator which could power 70 000 homes.
The prototype will be positioned off the south bank of the Humber at Upper Burcom near Stallingborough.
Developed by Pulse Tidal, with a backing from London of £878 000 ($1.745m), the pulse generator has the potential to generate up to 0.15 MW, and will be one of the first tidal power machines to supply the national grid.
The generator works by extracting energy from underwater currents in a manner similar to wind turbines, using energy from tidal flows to power a pair of straight horizontal hydrofoils, 11m in length. These then move up and down in imitation of a dolphin's tail.
If successful, the generator will be used to develop larger 1 MW units, which could be deployed in arrays, each generating up to 100 MW - enough to power the equivalent of 70 000 homes.
Secretary of state for energy, John Hutton granted the planning permission. "Our continued support for these emerging technologies is essential if the UK is to cement its position as a world leader in marine," he said.
"This kind of tidal project, if proven, will go some way to helping the UK meet its ambitious targets for clean, green energy."
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