Work begins today off the Co Down coast on the world’s first sea turbine capable of producing commercial amounts of electricity.
The Seagen turbine will operate at the mouth of Strangford Lough, one of the world's fastest flowing sea currents and is intended to produce enough energy to power over 1,000 homes.
The turbine has a capacity to produce 1.2MW of electricity - four times more than any other.
The machine, which works like an underwater windmill, is the biggest turbine of its kind in the world; makes no noise; is almost completely below the surface of the water; never runs out; and has zero emissions.
The operation to fix the turbine on the seabed is expected to take up to two weeks. It was due to begin yesterday but had to be postponed due to poor weather.
Bristol-based owner Marine Current Turbines has been given permission to install and operate SeaGen for five years.