Natural water currents 'could provide power'

Currents underlying the world's waters could be utilised as power sources, it has been suggested.

A new device based on the movement of swimming fish has been developed by scientists at the University of Michigan and the project has been named vortex-induced vibrations for aquatic clean energy, or, Vivace.

The invention is comprised of cylinders and springs and could generate electricity in water flowing at speeds of less than one mile and hour, which means that it could generate power from the currents of most of the world's waterways.

"This is a totally new method of extracting energy from water flow. If we could harness 0.1 per cent of the energy in the ocean, we could support the energy needs of 15 billion people," stated Michael Bernitsas, professor of naval technology at the university.

In other water news, patched nation Jordan last week announced plans to pump water from the Red Sea to the diminishing Dead Sea before a desalination process will render it drinkable.