MARINE solutions company Overberg has developed a revolutionary turbine using water to generate energy.

The company, in North Shields, North Tyneside, has named the device the Evopod Tidal Stream Turbine, which uses tidal currents to generate electricity.

Managing director Graeme Mackie said: "By 2010, UK energy companies will be required to generate a minimum of ten per cent of their electricity output from sustainable sources.

"Wind farms will undoubtedly help energy firms to meet this target. However, other factors, such as visual impact, noise and effect on local wildlife need to be taken into account.

"The Evopod has none of these potential problems, as it operates in deep water sites using the current to generate power, without any adverse effect on the environment."

Results from tests run by the Newcastle University's School for Marine Science and Technology on the Evopod prototype have highlighted its potential.

Mr Mackie said: "We are currently working on a proposal to build a scale device for testing at the European Marine Energy Centre, in Orkney and, if this is successful, the building of a full-scale Evopod will begin."

The project has been developed with the support of regional development agency One NorthEast, Newcastle University and the North-East Business and Innovation Centre's product and process development unit (PPDU).

The PPDU team helped to build the first Evopod model.

Jim Howstan, the unit's mechanical design engineer, said: "Results from tests at the university have been extremely positive, which highlights its potential to meet the growing demand for new renewable energy sources in the UK.

"Should the proposal be successful, the building of the Evopod will not only alleviate concerns over pollution, but will also create jobs in key strategic technology areas, including ship and offshore construction yards and marine and electrical equipment suppliers in the UK and Europe."