But tidal energy won’t come easy. Naturally there are challenges such as regulation, security of supply chain issues, grid connection and network capacity. And no one is minimising the difficulties that lie ahead. Nevertheless, tidal energy seems to be on course to meet the power needs of 1,600,000 UK homes by 2020, a figure that equates to 3% of the country’s total electricity supply.

Tidal Today is set to address all the issues and more at the inaugural Tidal Energy Summit [www.tidaltoday.com/tidal07] on 28th and 29th November in London. Among the speakers at the event are BWEA, Lunar Energy, Marine Current Turbines and BERR.

Simon Meade, chief executive at Lunar Energy said, 'The time for tidal energy has now arrived.  There is no more time for procrastination, only realistic targets and action.   What are the prospects of this industry that is now out of the lab and into the water?  The Tidal Energy Summit will provide a focused opportunity for discussing exactly what is happening now and what needs to happen in the future.  We need proactive action from all stakeholders to make this work.'

The feasibility of connecting tidal energy to the grid is hotly debated and will be addressed by Econnect at the summit. James Hunt, managing director at Econnect Consulting said, 'Tidal energy is developing at a tremendous rate, with new and exciting technologies constantly entering the market. Events such as this are extremely important to this new industry and to the renewables industry as a whole, by allowing information and resources to be shared freely amongst professionals. A vital piece to the puzzle is the grid connection of tidal energy.'

The wave of enthusiasm currently surrounding tidal energy means that devices are now moving beyond the prototype phase and the sea. Captain Peter Hodgetts, director at SeaRoc, who both are involved in the installation and deployment of tidal devices added, 'It’s an exciting time in the industry with device developers moving from prototype to commercial scale and an increasing number getting into the water.'

The Tidal Energy Summit is happening on 28 - 29 November at the Regent Park Marriott London. Further information can be found at  www.tidaltoday.com/tidal07. The summit is independent and aims to drive forward the development of tidal energy