Tidal energy machine creates waves in lowestoft

The aim was to determine whether Tidal Harvester 2 (TH2), a seven-metre long, four-tonne device which was tested on Lake Lothing, would generate the amount of energy predicted by computer modelling.

The simple yet sector-leading tidal harvesters - which work by allowing the tide to pass through the harvester, pushing blades to generate power - have been created by Lowestoft-based research and development firm 4NRG who hope to see them used in the North Sea to generate power for homes.

As previously reported, a modified version of the device that acts as a flood defence as well as energy generator could even be installed on the River Yare at Great Yarmouth.

While a £92,000 grant from East of England Development Agency has helped fund the prototype, the Broads Authority is supporting the research into a Tidal Harvester 5 with a £7,500 grant from its sustainable development fund (SDF).

At 2pm yesterday the TH2, built by Lowestoft engineering firm Small & Co, was lowered into the lake and towed by a boat to test how much energy a full scale device – about 30 metres wide, could generate.