Tidal current electricity is clean, renewable, reliable and predictable. While ocean currents move slowly relative to typical wind speeds, they carry a great deal of energy. Governments have recognized the great potential of ocean energy and have begun significant incentive programmes to harness it. In several countries worldwide marine energy is currently one of the technologies receiving the highest level of subsidies per MWh of energy generation
The UK has been identified as one of the countries with the greatest tidal energy potential. Its economic potential for tidal stream energy is estimated to be approximately half of Europe’s resource potential Other territories with significant tidal power potential include Canada, the USA, Argentina, Russia, France, Australia, New Zealand, India and Korea. Andritz Hydro Hammerfest has ongoing discussions within UK for Sound of Islay Tidal Power Project and has initiate discussions for projects in Canada and Indonesia.