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Martin Berger Reviews Tidal Energy Technology
Speaking at the New Energy Conference in Portland, Sept. 26, 2004,
Berger presents an overview of the present state of the technology, including
that of his company.
by T. Cullen
Pure Energy Systems News
PORTLAND, OREGON, USA
Martin Berger, the CEO of Blue Energy Canada, gave a multimedia
presentation about tidal power and using ocean waves to generate electricity.
Blue Energy Canada, Inc. is designing large commercial power plants using the
constantly changing tidal flows. Their new tidal power turbine technology can
make tide power competitive compared with other renewable energy solutions.
Berger points out that wind and solar are good midway points. The both have
drawbacks, namely wind is unreliable and solar efficiencies decrease when
overcast. Tidal motions, however, are very regular and predictable. The energy
density from tides can be nearly 200 times greater than solar.
Using the oceans abundant energy to produce electricity could be very
practical because about 66% of people live near the coast. Berger claims 50 to
200% of our energy needs can be extracted from the ocean. He says there are 30
energy technologies that use the ocean for power.
Blue Energy Canada is designing tidal bridges that can be built elsewhere and
towed in place. They are working on two classes: a micro class tidal bridge that
produces 250 KW of power, and a 200 - 1000 MW model. They are based on an
egg-beater wind design. The coils spin 6 times faster than the water flow.
Berger talked about several projects they are working on, including a proposal
to build a tidal bridge under the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Washington which
would also add additional highway lanes to the existing bridge.
Blue Energy Canadas website is www.bluenergy.com.
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Page posted by SDA
Oct. 5, 2004
Last updated November 14, 2004
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