Soon, Tidal Energy To Power Your Toaster

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With its 12 meter wingspan and 100 meter cable tethering it to the ocean floor, the kites are small compared to other tidal energy designs, which, apparently is one of the big advantages to Deep Green.

The kite"s small size lets its turbine operate at greater depths, where currents are slower, boldly going where no tidal turbine has gone before.

When anchored, Deep Green can be steered to capture tidal energy, ten times faster than the speed of the waves.

When operational, one Deep Green sea kite is expected to generate 500 kilowatts of power.

However, it will be a few years before sea kites power your toaster. Testing is scheduled to start in Northern Ireland in 2011.

Minesto hopes to have a commercial model of Deep Green out in four years.

The main drawback of tidal turbines is its high cost. However, the predictability of the tides makes up for it.