"The Best Laid Plans"

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 51, 4 July 1930, Page 28

"The Best Laid Plans"

A Scientist’s ‘Endeavours [HE endeavour of a"French scientist, Professor Georges Claude, to harness the Gulf Stream for electrical energy, has suffered a, serious setback. A message.from Cuba states that part of the plant, consisting of a giant steel tube, collapsed and fell into the ocean, when the supporting steel cables snapped like threads. The result of infinite pains and three months’ arduous labour was undone in a few seconds. American capital to the extent of some . 150 million dollars was invested in the project. ; The scheme, however, is not likely to be abandoned. Its object is to utilise solar energy in the tropics by turning to account the difference between ! temperature of sea-water at the sutrface and that at a considerable dept When developed, it is stated, the process will change the whole character of equatorial regions and- communities, now lying dormant. Further, it will be capable of taking from the sea _ the energy of ten Niagaras, and the ocean will be harnessed in & manner undreamed of before." An experimental plant that has been tried out in Belgium proves that the idea is a practica one. ;