Construction of the world's first commercial tidal generator is expected to be completed before the end of 2007. Marine Current Turbines will be installing the 1.2 MW SeaGen turbine in Strangford Loughs, Northern Ireland. The SeaGen turbine relies upon large underwater turbines that are embedded in the ocean floor in locations with strong tidal flows or ocean currents; this technology is relatively quick to install and does not have the environmental drawbacks of tidal barrage generating systems, which are essentially hydroelectric dams that utilize the currents of tidal estuaries. The underwater turbines rotate relatively slowly, so they pose little threat to marine life, and they are feasible in any location that is 20-30 meters deep with an average current speed of 4.5-5 knots.
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