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The power from the sea

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The power from the sea

A new wave power system that uses wave power from the sea will produce cheap green energy.

Researchers at the Queen's University Belfast funded under the RCUK Energy Programme have developed a device that converts wave power into electricity. 'Oysters' don't use the waves themselves as the force to turn turbines and generate electricity directly with an underwater generator. Instead, they use hydraulic technology to pump high pressure water to an onshore hydro-electric turbine, thus cutting costs, reducing environmental risk and making Oysters easier to maintain and more reliable. Ten Oysters could power 3,000 homes or 7,000 people.

Edinburgh-based Aquamarine Power are now commercialising the Oyster device which will be officially switched on in November 2009 and hooked up to the National Grid by 2013.

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