The Kimberley area has substantial tidal power potential, however it had always been thought of as uneconomic because the high cost of transporting the energy to Perth. The method of transporting electrical energy was always thought to be by using power transmission lines. In addition to the high capital cost, line losses over a long distance are excessive. Michael Derry explored the novel idea of using tidal power to split water into hydrogen and oxygen then transport the hydrogen gas to market. As a result of Michael's pioneering work in this area the WA Government had a parliamentary inquiry into the idea in the early 1990's. Michael has had much coverage in newspaper, journal and radio press concerning his plans for tidal power.

At a later stage we will be looking at the possibility of powering the water carrying ships with hydrogen produced by tidal power.