US Uncorks $16M For 17 Projects To Capture Wave Energy 132
coondoggie writes "The US Energy Department this week said it would spend $16 million for seventeen projects to help research and develop energy generating systems from waves, tides and currents. The energy agency says the US could generate up to 1,400 terawatt hours of potential power per year. One terawatt-hour of electricity is enough to power 85,000 homes, according to the agency."
Less than $1m each? (Score:5, Interesting)
Doesn't seem like a lot of money for tidal power. Scotland is already way ahead and invests more than that.
Still, better than nothing.
Seems technically simple... (Score:0, Interesting)
You could build a wall that raises and lowers, trapping the water in a large area at high tide. Then let the water back out through turbines at low tide, then lower the wall and let the water back in. Doesn't seem like it would have too many moving parts or require elaborate engineering. Just not sure how much energy it could produce.