A project to develop an ocean current power generation system is soon to begin in Japan. IHI Corporation, Toshiba Corporation, the University of Tokyo and Mitsui Global Strategic Studies Institute made a joint announcement on November 28.
The planned system uses turbines that float under the sea and counter-rotate with respect to each other in line with ocean currents. As the turbines will be anchored to the seabed to generate power at the depth free from the effects of waves, they will not affect the operation of ships.
The turbines will maintain stable positions in the water using the force generated by their rotation. When maintenance or repair is required, the turbines can be raised to the sea surface by adjusting their direction and buoyancy.
IHI and Toshiba will lead the development of the turbines, while the University of Tokyo will cooperate by developing floating parts and in other areas.
A similar project to this ocean current power generation system was announced late last month by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., which intends to start developing a tidal power generation system that uses the rise and fall of the tide. The company is currently developing products with the aim of starting demonstration tests in Okinawa and Scotland by fiscal 2015.
