Rolls-Royce (RR.L), the prominent British manufacturer of engines and power systems plans to begin testing a turbine this summer that will draw power from ocean tides, according to a Reuters report.
The company, in conjunction with Tidal Generation Limited, designed a half-MW system that will begin trials this summer. A larger a 1-MW version, developed with other partners–including EDF Energy (EDF.PA) and E.ON (EON.L)–will begin test in roughly 18 months.
"By 2020 there could be 300 MW (tidal power deployed) around the UK, or 100-200 devices," Ric Parker, director of research and technology for Rolls-Royce, said.
He also said the company is spending about 5% of its R&D budget on clean energy technologies, including tidal power and fuel cells.
The company also announced that it is taking part in a public-private partnership, led by Energy Technologies Institute, to support wind and tidal projects.
Read the full report at the link below.