New Zealand Trials Tidal Wave Technology

An underwater turbine is to be built in New Zealand to generate electricity from tidal waves, according to local reports.

Greater Wellington Council has given the go-ahead for the project by independent renewable energy provider Neptune Power, expected to eventually satisfy a large proportion of New Zealand's energy needs.

The trial turbine, located off the south coast of Wellington, should be up and running within 18 months and will power 400 Wellington houses through Vector's Wellington grid, according to TVNZ.

The aim of the trial is to run the turbine in a real situation and establish its ecological impact, Neptune Power told the broadcaster.

New Zealand plans to source 90 percent of its energy from renewables by 2025.

By staff writer