Possible Tidal Energy facility for Spanish Point

growler

Saw this the other day and though it might be of interest,
Wave energy developer, Carnegie Wave Energy Ltd. (ASX: CWE) is pleased to announce that the Irish Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr Phil Hogan T.D., has approved its application for a Foreshore License in respect of site investigation works between Freagh Point and Spanish Point, Co. Clare.

http://www.carnegiewave.com/files/asx-announcements/2013/130506_CWE%20Ireland%20Licence%20Application%20Approved.pdf

Might create some much needed employment in that part of the world, and if it did go ahead would keep the trawlers away which might improve the fishing !

Jim Martin

Wonder what effect it will have on the surfers' waves!

golden8

What is the environmental impact of the project and will there be any Irish Jobs? Or will it be off site maintenance?

Tidal Power Pros and Cons

Pros

Renewable. Requires no fuel.
Emission-free
Reliable, a plant can last 100 years
High efficiency
Predictable output
Could potentially provide a storm surge barrier.
Environmental impacts are local, not global

Cons

Expensive to build
Very location specific (only 20 sites identified with high potential)
Non-continuous, storage or grid-backup required
Locations are often remote
Barrages may restrict access to open water
Can change tidal level of surrounding area
Impact on fish, marine mammals and birds
Disrupts regular tidal cycles
Decreases salinity in tidal basins
Mud flats (where many birds feed) adversely impacted
Captures dirt, waste and pollution near the coast
Reduces kinetic energy in the ocean

http://www.triplepundit.com/2012/06/tidal-power-pros-cons/

dmc17

golden8 wrote: »

What is the environmental impact of the project and will there be any Irish Jobs? Or will it be off site maintenance?

Tidal Power Pros and Cons

Pros

Renewable. Requires no fuel.
Emission-free
Reliable, a plant can last 100 years
High efficiency
Predictable output
Could potentially provide a storm surge barrier.
Environmental impacts are local, not global

Cons

Expensive to build
Very location specific (only 20 sites identified with high potential)
Non-continuous, storage or grid-backup required
Locations are often remote
Barrages may restrict access to open water
Can change tidal level of surrounding area
Impact on fish, marine mammals and birds
Disrupts regular tidal cycles
Decreases salinity in tidal basins
Mud flats (where many birds feed) adversely impacted
Captures dirt, waste and pollution near the coast
Reduces kinetic energy in the ocean

http://www.triplepundit.com/2012/06/tidal-power-pros-cons/

I think the proposed project is based on wave energy rather than tidal energy so the pros and cons would be different.