France-based Alstom Hydro has entered the ocean energy market by signing a licencing cooperation agreement with Clean Current Power Systems, a Canadian firm that specialises in the design and testing of tidal energy technology.

The International Energy Agency estimates that, worldwide tidal stream sites could generate as much as 100 terawatt-hours of electricity, enought to meet the energy needs of 20 million western European households.

The terms of the agreement between Alstom Hydro and Clean Current include an exclusive worldwide license for ocean and tidal stream applications for Clean Current’s patented technology. The agreement also includes provisions for continued close cooperation between both parties in order to further develop technology, deploy demonstrator units and subsequently position Alstom Hydro as both an equipment and turnkey provider for tidal stream farms.

Alstom plans to commercialise its first tidal stream products by 2012.

“We are very excited about getting involved in this innovative renewable energy technology which is at the crossroads of hydro and wind technologies,” said Philippe Joubert, president of Alstom Power. “We will be happy to provide an additional viable solution to our customers for meeting their renewable energy production targets and we look forward to government backing in order to further develop this new CO2-free technology.”

Clean Current’s tidal energy technology consists of a horizontal-axis ducted turbine with a direct-drive, variable-speed, permanent magnet generator. The turbine generator is equally efficient in both directions in order to fully utilise two-way tidal currents.

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