Riding the Gulf Stream to Energy Independence?

Hawaii has used cold sea water to cool buildings for a few years, but researchers at Florida Atlantic University are looking beyond ocean water to the Gulf Stream that helps put the ocean in motion.

“If you can take an engine and put it on the back of a boat or propel a ship through water, why not take a look at the strength of the Gulf Stream and determine if that can actually turn a device and create energy?” asked Sue Skemp, executive director at Florida Atlantic University’s Center for Ocean Energy Technology.

Electricity would be produced using underwater turbines, in a process similar to wind turbines on land. As water flows by the turbine, it turns a rotor blade. As the blade turns, energy is generated.

Stakeholders acknowledge that much work remains before the project could be launched, but considering that Florida currently ranks third nationally in total energy consumption – and demand is growing – researchers are hoping their work pays off.

See the whole story at CNN.com