Global warming, peak oil and carbon footprint are all factors that just strengthen the case for the development of renewable energy. But is our concern about the environment stifling or stimulating emerging marine technologies such as wave and tidal?
A leading academic suggests that maybe our concerns about the environment are not the sole cause of stifling emerging technologies and in fact the barriers to development are far more complex and are dependent on which definition of environment you are referring to. “A holistic approach were by the environment is viewed as not only the physical/biological aspects but also socio-economic and in fact it is probably the latter which is the fundamental barrier to development. From a physical/biological point, I feel there are still many unknowns and which will lessen over time.”
Professor Ian Boyd, the Director of the Sea Mammal Research Unit at St Andrews University has been quoted as saying-“the prospects of the tidal-energy schemes present a new potential threat from humans to marine mammals.” Is this a fair comment or simply condemning a new technology which could potential alleviate global deprivation?
Perhaps the following view point managers to calm future developers as they highlightsthat, “…each project is site specific and must be treated as such and though this may place a burden on a prospective developer, it is an important aspect to any proposed development.”
In short we need to ensure that a pragmatic management process will be adopted-drawing on results of research and monitoring. MCT are probably the best in this field due to carrying out environmental impact assessments, the work was government funded and so should be in the public domain shortly.
Ian Bryden is just one of the experts who will help you navigate your way through recent studies about the interaction of technology and the marine environment and how this could impact on you gaining your consenting licence. Take this opportunity to ask the questions which need answering at the Tidal Energy Summit 2007 [www.tidaltoday.com/
Louise Gray
Director and New Energy Researcher
Tidal Today
0207 3757159
lgray@tidaltoday.com
