Many have heard of wind turbines, which are turbines that make electricity from the wind. But a new idea that is being tried also gets electricity from turbines. The only difference is that these turbines are underwater.

Benefits

The benefits to this method could be great, if done properly. The gravitational pull of the moon is what powers these giant energy makers, by causing tides to form kinetic energy. So the source of the energy is endless.

And it is a clean and abundant energy that could make our world a better place. But only if it is not made at the expense of another world, the one beneath the surface of the ocean waters.

Concerns

Many are concerned that innovators for this invention will proceed without proper testing, because of the high demand for alternatives in energy production. Without proper testing, answers to many questions could go without solutions and cause problems in the future.

Concerns include issues like the impact of many turbines underwater, turning and producing their own currents. What could this do to the natural currents? Would marine life be altered? How would the equipment hold up under salt water conditions?

So far, some of these issues would not be too big of a problem, because the turbines only turn at a rate of 10 to 20 times per minute. But as technology increases in this field, faster spinning rates are bound to follow. This could be a serious threat to sea life.

Testing

There is one such turbine at the bottom of the Kvalsund Channel in Norway. Testing on this one will start to determine many factors, including the overall environmental impact on sea life and tide movements. And it is also studying the results of the electricity gathering process itself.

This turbine was installed in 2003 and powers about 35 homes. Aquatic life has also been watched and no fish have been struck by the turbines themselves. These are just a couple of areas of concern that are being monitored.

There are other turbines in other places, such as New York and the United Kingdom, that are also being observed. If this new method can be achieved without harm, then it will help the current need for a difference in energy.