DAMAGE to a support vessel has delayed plans to deploy the world's largest tidal turbine in Strangford Loch.

A malfunction to a crane on board the Jumping Jack means the giant �8m SeaGen twin propped turbine built by Marine Current Turbines (MCT) will now be installed at the end of the autumn instead of August of this year.

The mouth of Strangford Lough has some of the fastest tidal "ows in Europe, and Bristolbased MCT expects this commercial demonstration model to generate 1.2MW of electricity, enough to power 1,000 homes.

Rathlin Island, Fastnet and Arklow have also been mooted as possible sites for tidal turbines, which generate electricity by using tidal "ows to turn massive underwater propellers.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY INDEX LAUNCHED

MERRILL LYNCH has compiled a list of 40 companies the firm expects will benefit from global efforts to cut carbon dioxide emissions and reduce energy costs.

"While there has been a clear shift of resources and investor attention into renewable energy, energy efficiency remains an area that is relatively under-explored, " said Merrill Lynch energy equity analyst Asari Eflong. "We believe that energy efficiency represents a significant market opportunity for investors, as policy changes look set to force a structural shift in demand."

Merrill Lynch identified the automotive industry, capital goods, semi-conductor and building supplies industries as most exposed to this trend.

The new Merrill Lynch Energy Efficiency Index is split into four areas: integrated plays with a focus on the capital goods sector; fuel efficiency in the automotive industry; building insulation; and energy-efficient solutions, including products, applications and industrial processes.

USE LESS OF OUR OIL, OIL BODY URGES

IN 2005, after oil shortages caused by the hurricane season including Hurricane Katrina that devastated New Orleans, the US energy secretary asked the National Petroleum Council . . .basically the US oil industry . . . to ponder the question, what does the future hold for oil and gas?

Late last month they gave a 476-page answer: "Facing the Hard Truths About Energy".

Surprisingly, the number one recommendation was for government to curb demand and increase energy efficiency and urgently pursue alternative energy sources including biofuels