Advocates of tidal energy say it is more reliable than the other marine technology, wave power. Unlike wave - and wind - farms, tides are predictable. The devices use technology similar to wind farms or hydropower, with underwater turbines being driven by the force of the tide to generate electricity.

Other green projects included a revolutionary new V-shaped wind turbine with blades the height of the Eiffel Tower could be moored at sea out of sight of land.

“If we don’t develop an efficient way of storing energy from renewable sources like wind and solar power, then it will be the equivalent of a water company only supplying tap water when it’s raining," said Professor Islam.

ROOFTOP wind turbines may have become the accessory of choice among “greener than thou” politicians, but a new study suggests that they are not only incapable of saving the planet but may even damage your house.

Gordon Proven and his business development manager Johnnie Andringa have seen it all before: they were in the vanguard when the industry failed to take off in Scotland 15 years ago. Today, Scotland has a second chance at building a manufacturing sector in renewable energy, but a funding row could mean another false dawn .

A COCKERMOUTH company believes the answer to spiralling energy costs is blowing in the wind.

David Cameron wants one; Malcolm Wicks, the energy minister, has applied for one and this week there is a full-scale Commons row about miniature wind turbines, among other forms of do-it-yourself energy generation.

Our correspondent assesses the options available for those planning Britain’s future energy needs. Generating electricity from nuclear reactors is as effective at combating global warming as any known form of renewable energy and is likely to remain so indefinitely.

If the wind isn't blowing at peak times, the argument goes, then the wind turbines are not contributing to the power in the grid. However, if wind farms could store all the power they generate at off-peak times, during the night for example, and then control the way and time it is released, it would not only enhance the revenue streams they could receive, but also remove the intermittency claims. Now, a Canadian energy management firm claims to be able to do just that. EPOD International has secured two pilot projects with wind power developers in Canada and the US to test their proprietary energy storage system, the EMT.

A turn for the better Wind turbines are ugly and no one wants to live near one. Right? Wrong. Steve Rose on the new architects of spin

The £1million wind turbine next to Whitemoor Prison is to be switched off at certain times of the year because 'shadow flicker' is upsetting inmates.