Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
A small “micro dam” in
Scotland. Such small-scale
water projects may become
more common.
Engineers know
both tidal and wave
energy systems
can work. They just
need the money to
build them. Some
money comes from
investors, who
hope to make more
money in the future
from generating and
selling electricity.
Over the next few years, about $2 billion will be spent to build
turbines and other systems that use water power. About the
same amount will be spent on research. The research should
lead to better and cheaper ways to tap water power.
Great Britain has been a leader in exploring ocean energy.
Britain is an island nation that has several spots with strong
tides, and it sits near the Gulf Stream. Experts say the country
could some day get 20 percent of its electricity from different
forms of water power. Other countries that could generate a
great deal of electricity from water include the United States,
Canada, South Korea, Japan, and Australia.
