Marine Current Turbines (MCT) are similar to wind turbines, except that underwater currents turn the turbine blades.
Tidal current power has the potential to make a major contribution to future renewable energy sources. One of the benefits of generating electricity from tidal currents is their predictability, enabling the developers to know when the turbines will be producing electricity.
Initial investigations suggest that the technology also has a low environmental impact. Given that most of the structure will be below sea level, visual impact should be minimised as well.
In February 2002 we agreed to invest £3 million in underwater turbines to harness the power of high tidal stream currents. This deal with Marine Current Turbines Ltd saw us become a strategic partner in the project.