Ocean current = Energy for millions

This doesn't seem to be a far cry from tidal power, which provides relatively low yield energy yield

that's awesome, deosn't New York have something like that going on only in the river?

4free:
Currents and tides might both take place in the ocean, but the two are very different, especially when you look at their energy yields. Currents, like that of the Gulf Stream, would produce far more energy than tidal power. We're talking about enough energy to power one third of Florida! The trick is developing technology that can withstand the force of these currents. That's what researchers are working on now.

devboman:
You're right, a similar project is taking place in New York's Hudson river. What makes the Florida project different is the amount of energy Driscoll's prototype could harvest if it works.

Considering all the expenses, environmental issues, engineering challenges and planning this will take, this seems a bit too implausible for the forseeable future.

I can tell you're not a fan of the project 4free!! :)
You're in good company. There are people who worry the blades will create a so-called 'cuisinart effect' and chop up marine life. Researcher Rick Driscoll says his team is taking these concerns seriously and will monitor fish's interaction with the blades.

With that said, expenses, environmental issues, engineering challenges and planning didn't stop wind farms and hydraulic dams from being developed... not to mention less modern projects like bridges, tunnels etc.

well the way that desalination process is changing due to melting glaciers... this could be messed up and then were all fuxored anyway...

the trick is not to interfere with the surrounding wildlife. the turbines or watermillls, whatever you want to call them, have to be kept free from anything getting in its way and damaging it, like, fish, dolphins, sharks, whales, people etc

i think its a great source of power that needs to be further developed so it can be practically put to use

It seems that we humans have an effect on this planet no matter what we do. Since we need to find alternatives ways to power our lives I think we should consider ideas like this and take them seriously. I just hope the the impact isn't as severe as bio-fuels, because the oceans are also a limited resource, and we are doing enough to mess them up already.

Turbines not only for wind currents.

My instinct says it's good science, full of hope... but I agree with Craig_C - look out for the impact they will have. Hmmmm.... A giant field of these things stretching miles across ocean floor... Could that slow down the 'ocean-flow'? Effect warm/cold water cycles? Mating seasons and locations? Isn't the 'ocean-flow' timed perfectly to cycle the health of a much greater eco-system? Uh-oh...

I like this idea, but we must also be wary of the impact of putting turbines over "1.8 billion acres" of ocean.

I would like to be apart of this new technology.

i think this is an absolutely great idea. I live in Florida and would welcome this technology with open arms. Our gov. Charlie Crist is already trying to utilize our farmland to grow grains and sugars to be turned into biofuels just as brazil has done. Each region or area of the U.S. needs to find the energy source that fits them best. This source would fit Florida perfectly and we wouldn't even have to see them considering they would be underwater!!

If you check out the results from the Hudson River project, there so far has been little to no environmental damage. They definitely aren't covering as much ground as the Florida project, but perhaps the ground the project is considering to use is already a dead zone? (aka we've already trashed the area and there is little, if any, natural activity going on there.)
My favorite news report on the Hudson River project was when the newscaster said "As for concerns regarding what the turbines would do to the marine life in the river, well, research has shown that the fish are... moving around it."
I had been concerned initially, but these turbines are a great solution if placed in applicable situations.
We have to remember that in areas with fast currents, the animals that use these streams have generally adapted to moving quickly, dodging barriers, etc.

This could potentially be a good energy source, however it will require much more testing to determine that it's eco-safe for marine life.

I was watching this last night. It's not as ridiculous a notion as it seems. The turbines spin slow enough to let the fish swim by. Now if you're a whale, you might be limited in your movement. At any rate, it's a step in the direction.

I agree with you all... don't chop up the fishies! But it's worth looking into. I'm open to all options at this point.

I'm liking the idea, but fear it may cause harm to the Ocean's ecosystem.

It sounds good right now but I don't think it will end up so great

I think they should use like i fly-wheel sorta system so if lets say any fish do come in contact with the blades(which i really hope doesn't happen) they stop then once the fish swims off they start spinning again. just trying to help

Every day millions of tons fish are taken out of the sea and eaten by human beings. Tens of millions of tons of fishes are eaten by other fishes (or mammals).

We are polluting the planet burning fossil wood (aka petrol). And one of the main concern of people is "would an underwater turbine upset some herring?"

Dont tell me that "we could use less energy". We could, but we dont. Then, we better face reality, and try to accept the less harmful solution. And underwater turbines, for instance, are better (or less worse) than petrol.

C'mon....

an excellent idea,,,!!!