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London-based tidal energy developer Spiralis Energy has launched its national ‘Tides2Tea’ campaign, which aims to raise public awareness and support for tidal energy, setting the stage for 2025 testing in Alderney waters.
By linking the campaign to something as ordinary as brewing a cup of tea, the initiative seeks to simplify public engagement while showcasing the potential of Spiralis Energy’s tidal energy technology.
The campaign invites the public to symbolically purchase a cup of tea powered by tidal energy for a small donation. In return, participants’ names will be inscribed on Spiralis Energy’s inaugural Axial Skelter technology, slated for testing in Alderney waters in 2025.
According to the UK tidal energy developer, the campaign underscores the affordability and reliability of tidal energy as a renewable power source.
Tidal energy on the rise
Spiralis Energy’s Axial Skelter, inspired by the Turritella seashell’s natural design, converts tides’ flow into electricity. Each unit can generate enough energy daily to brew 250,000 cups of tea, according to the company.
Unlike wind and solar, which can be an unpredictable energy source due to weather conditions, tidal energy offers predictability, with tidal flows forecastable “with pinpoint accuracy” to within six minutes, 100 years ahead, the company noted.
“The Tides2Tea campaign is more than just an exciting showcase of our technology – it’s a call to action for a cleaner, more predictable energy future. The Alderney Race is the perfect stage to demonstrate the immense potential of tidal energy, a resource that is not only sustainable but entirely reliable,” said Spiralis Energy’s CEO, Guy Levene OBE.
“By inviting the public to join this journey, we’re showing how innovation, community, and action can come together to create a world where our greatest natural resource brings progress and opportunity. Alderney represents the future of what’s possible, and we’re proud to pioneer an energy transformation with the support of the island’s community – and all for the price of a cup of tea!”
Public engagement through technology
According to Spiralis Energy, supporters of the ‘Tides2Tea’ campaign will also have the chance to engage directly with the project once the tidal power generator is operational.
The company plans to install cameras and sensors on the Axial Skelter to monitor its ecological impact, and a live feed will allow participants to spot their names on the tidal power generator.
The modular design of the Axial Skelter provides flexibility and efficiency in tidal energy generation. According to Spiralis Energy, the system can be manufactured in under a week using recyclable, 3D-printed segments. Its adaptable design allows for assembly on-site, with in-situ maintenance possible during slack tide, removing the need for costly support vessels typically required by other tidal systems.
“Modelled on the natural elegance of the Turritella seashell, our Skelter is proof that innovation can be simple, effective, and deeply sustainable. The Tides2Tea campaign is a wonderful way to bring people into this journey—connecting a daily ritual like a cup of tea with the extraordinary potential of tidal power,” the Co-designer at Spiralis Energy, George Illovy noted.
“Beyond delivering clean energy, this technology offers opportunities for job creation and apprenticeships, leveraging the existing skills of coastal and maritime industries. By starting here in Alderney, we’re not just showcasing tidal energy—we’re building the foundations of a circular, community-driven energy future.”
Building momentum for change
According to Spiralis Energy, the ‘Tides2Tea’ campaign is not just a public relations exercise but part of a broader effort to demonstrate the viability of tidal energy. By focusing on simplicity, community engagement, and environmental stewardship, the company hopes to shift the conversation around renewables to include the vast potential of tidal power.
“The Alderney tidal resource is significant and projects in the past to harness our tides have not been successful. At last Alderney will be able to say that tidal power is something that is now tangible,” added Bill Abel, States Member and Lead of the Marine Working Group.
“We are encouraged that Spiralis has chosen our Island for the deployment of their demonstrator unit early next year and recognize its potential to produce power economically. The Island’s Policy and Finance Committee has confirmed its support for Spiralis’ initiative, and thank them. The Alderney team will provide as much support as we can and I am sure our community, after earlier false starts, will also be pushing for the success of the skelter and its potential for the future.”
Just recently, UK gas producer Kistos Holdings took a stake in Spiralis Energy, as part of its sustainability drive to support next-generation renewable technologies. The company’s investment supports Spiralis Energy’s Axial Skelter tidal power solution, a tidal generator built from recyclable, 3D-printed segments that can be produced in under a week. |
