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DispatchAccountScience

by Nyxonia. . 15 reads.

Tidal power generation

Scientists in Nyxonia announced the successful completion of an electric power generating facility that utilizes the tides of the ocean to provide an affordable carbon-neutral source of energy that also opens up an aquaculture farm.

In the late 19th century vast areas of the island of Nyxonia were mined for phosphate that was the mineralized deposits of sea bird droppings that had accumulated (guano mining). The mined mineral was shipped worldwide and used as a fertilizer until the lower levels of basement rock was reached. The mining operations left behind an open-pit that is as deep as 20 meters below sea level. To keep the ocean from rushing in and flooding the mine works a barrier of stone was left between the ocean and the mining operation. Over the last 150 years the abandoned phosphate mines have been a blight upon the landscape.

A use for the open pit was found if a passageway to the ocean could be created where bi-directional low-head turbine pumps could allow for the mine pit water levels to rise and fall with the tides. On this part of the Nyxonian coast the tides rise and fall as much as the Bristol Channel in the UK with around 15 meters of elevation difference. The area of the mines encompasses a sixteen square kilometer area so the volume of water that would move in and out of the mine pit would be quite significant.

Nyxonian industry became involved to manufacture the low-head turbine pumps and screens that would prevent sea life from passing through the turbines to their certain demise. The mine pit was cleared of any industrial waste or residues and a sand and gravel bottom was added to several meters depth.

Once the tidal basin was filled and operation of the hydropower system was finalized the aquaculture farm was developed. Littoral sea life was introduced to the tidal pool and now has an abundance of blue crabs, fish, and plant life. Plans are underway to create stone artificial reefs and to seed these with natural corals that can flourish in the shallow basin.

Within the next few years a limited amount of commercial fishing will be permitted within the basin. In the event of a typhoon the inlet pipes can be closed to provide a protected sanctuary for the sea life. Biologists are evaluating if endangered sea species can thrive in the basin.

If this project is successful Nyxonia has four other locations along our coastline where such projects have the potential for development. The innovation and technology of today can restore some of the abuses of the past and enrich our understanding of our oceans.

Nyxonia

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