Minesto, a Swedish and UK company, showed off its tidal power technology in a video presentation demoed for the first time at Cop 15. The video shows a vision for the future of marine energy power plants, featuring a tidal power plant using Minesto's technology for harnessing energy from low-velocity tidal currnets.

Theoretical models, simulations and model tests have been done earlier, and have proven the power plant's ability to harness ocean tide energy. The next stage in the development of this technology is the installation of a prototype machine off the coast of Northern Ireland in 2011.

The technology, Deep Green, can be explained in two ways, according to Minesto. The first stage is the increase of relative flow speed, when water is entering the turbine. With the oncoming tide, a lift force is created, pushing the kite upwards. The kite is secured to the ocean floor with a tether and controlled with a rudder. The second stage is the generator which converts kinteic energy into electrical energy. Here's demonstration video featuring the new technology:

The development of tidal power plants is crucial for the future of renewable energy. According to BWEA's document, The Benefits of Marine Technologies Within a Diversified Renewables Mix, an optimal ration between marine and wind energy is 40/60, in order to reduce the cost of backup systems, reserve capacity and fuel costs. Additionally, this would allow developers to avoid redundant investments in capacities that won't be needed. A total of GBP 1 billion per year of cost reductions from an optimal energy mix can be achieved, according to this report.

Minesto is company owned in majority by Saab Group, and Midroc New Technology, Verdane Capital and Chalmers University of Technology.

[source: Minesto]