The Otago Daily Times has an article on a tidal power project proposed for Dunedin’s harbour – Otago Harbour tidal power idea gets boost.
There are renewed calls for Dunedin to consider investing in tidal power generation in Otago Harbour, stimulated by progress towards a $600 million scheme north of Auckland.
Auckland-based power company Crest Energy is seeking consent for a 200-turbine, 200-megawatt scheme, costing about $600 million, at the entrance to Kaipara Harbour. The scheme would be the first of its kind in New Zealand, and could power 250,000 homes.
The Environment Court has given a positive recommendation to Conservation Minister Tim Groser, while requesting work to address lingering environmental concerns.
The progress encourages David Tucker, of Dunedin, who argues a similar scheme should be considered for Otago Harbour. Mr Tucker, a semi-retired consultative engineer and former Dunedin City Council consultant, said Otago Harbour could be as effective as a source of renewable energy.
He envisaged turbines on the sea floor at the mouth of Otago Harbour, driven by the tide to generate power, or a barrage from Port Chalmers to Portobello – or both.
