The hoisting work of a module of the generator.(Photo/zjol.com.cn)

After being independently developed by China, the world's first 3.4-megawatt modular tidal current power generator has successfully generated electricity in the sea near Xiushan Island in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province on Aug. 15. 

Ocean tidal current power is a widely recognized source of clean energy. Half of China's current tidal power resources are in Zhejiang province, and 96 percent of Zhejiang's tidal current power resources are in Zhoushan. 

Currently, the world's biggest tidal current power station is a 1.2-megawatt project in the U.K., which began to operate in 2008. China's biggest tidal current power unit has a capacity of 0.3 megawatts. 

On July 27, China's first 3.4-megawatt modular tidal current generator unit was successfully installed in the sea. So far, two of the seven modules of the generator have been put into use. The generator will be connected to the grid at the end of August. Its designed annual energy output is between 5 and 6 million kilowatt hours, which is capable of meeting the electricity demand of 2,000 to 3,000 households. 

According to the design, the new generator can withstand up to a 16-grade typhoon and a 4-meter-high surge. 

(Photo/wzsee.com)