||| EARTHRISE BY JAY KIMBALL |||


As we look to other island communities for examples of climate action and innovation, the Orkney Islands will undoubtedly be on the short list. Its pioneering work harnessing tidal energy is inspiring the world. This is especially so in higher latitudes, like the Salish Sea, where tidal flows are very strong.

Location, Location, Location

optimal location for renewable energyWhen a famous hotelier was asked what three factors were key to the success of his hotel chain, he answered: “Location, location, and location!

The same can be said of renewable energy. Each type of renewable energy has locations where it stands out. In the southwest, solar is abundant year-round. Wind blows strong east of the Cascades. Hydro is abundant in the northwest. And in the Salish Sea, tidal energy is the renewable force of nature.

The continuous, regular ebb and flood of the sea – about every 6 hours – means less energy storage is needed to smooth and firm the powerful pulses of tidal energy. Wind energy can lull for weeks, and solar for months in winter. Tidal’s steady predictable rythm makes it an important candidate for increasing local energy resilience and reducing our dependence on the mainland, especially in winter.

“The tide is more dependable than most other renewable energy sources. Wind is great, but fickle. The sun is even better, but cloud cover can interfere with production. Also, the sun’s energy is available only during daylight hours, and mostly during the summer. Our greatest need for energy is exactly opposite this schedule: we need the most energy at night and during the winter.” ~ Jonathan White, Orcas Islander, author of Tides: The Science and Spirit of the Ocean

Tidal Energy Workshop

If you want to learn more about this promising local renewable energy, OPALCO is hosting a workshop on tidal energy this Wednesday. The OPALCO team is in the preliminary stages of evaluating the promise of tidal energy around the San Juan Islands.  With Washington Department of Commerce funding, staff and contractors have been working on conceptual design and siting studies.

The workshop is from 5 to 6 pm this Wednesday, 22 March.  To learn about the technology, potential demonstration site, and current status on this project, register for the workshop at: OPALCO Tidal Energy Workshop 

The left side of the chart below shows where tidal flows are strongest (red). The bottom right shows how tidal energy is about 8 times stronger than wind or solar per square-meter of generator surface. And the upper right shows the Orbital Marine O2 tidal generator deployed in the Orkney Islands. It has been in operation for over a year, has a peak output of 2 MW, generating about 5 GWh per year.

tidal generator


Earthrise: A Climate Action Journal

This climate action journal offers information and actions we can take together, locally and globally, as we care for this precious Earth.

The best way to heal a living system, is to connect it with more parts of itself.” ~ Margaret Wheatley

If you like what you read here, pass it forward to a few friends and ask them to do the same. Like a pebble tossed in a pond, the rings emanate outward, reflecting and growing exponentially. “Going exponential” is what it will take to reverse the climate extremes that are accelerating around us.

Thank you…

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 • First Light • Robert Dash – photographer, educator, environmentalist • Extreme RainA Poem for the Snow Leopard •

 • How the Chinese spy balloon can inspire climate action •


Notes

The world’s most powerful tidal turbine has begun to generate electricity from the sea in Orkney

Jonathan White, Orcas Islander, author of Tides: The Science and Spirit of the Ocean


 

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