The small town of Hammerfest (pop. 11 000) in Norway's arctic region calls itself the world's most northern town. Reputedly, it was the first to install street lighting. It will soon boast a new distinction. From early December, if the project stays on track, it will be the first town to get its electricity from an undersea power station running on sea bed tidal currents.
The first turbine, due to be installed near Kvalsund during the latter part of November by Hammerfest Strøm AS, is a 300 kW unit resembling a wind turbine and capable of turning to face the tidal flow. By 2004 there should be 20 of them in place, providing 6 MWe and projected to cost in total $13.4 million. The tops of the blades will be well below the surface, and therefore no hazard to surface shipping.
Although sea bed tidal power has the advantage over other tidal methods of being more more eco-friendly, it is the least advanced of existing renewable sources. It is expensive, and its maintenance costs, and even the practicality of servicing, are at present unknown, as is its durability in storm conditions. The Hammerfest Strøm units are claimed by their maker to be maintenance free for three years, but if it turns out otherwise the plan is to use divers. A similar project in the UK by Marine Current Turbines, due to come on line in 2003, uses turbines that can be lifted from the sea bed for servicing.
Nor will the power be cheap. At roughly 0.33 krøner per kWh, it will be three times the cost of hydroelectricity. But it will be added to the local mix, and the cost borne by consumers, in pursuit of Norway's green policies.
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