At the center of the campaign is Spiralis Energy’s new system, the Axial Skelter, inspired by seashells. Each unit can convert tidal flows into enough energy to brew over 250,000 cups of tea daily. “The Tides2Tea campaign is more than just an exciting showcase of our technology – it’s a call to action for a cleaner, more predictable energy future,” said Guy Levene, Spiralis Energy CEO.
Spiralis Energy will become the first tidal energy company to test its technology in Alderney’s waters, known for having some of Europe’s strongest tidal currents. The trials, set for 2025, aim to demonstrate the feasibility of tidal power for the island. Spiralis plans to engage with the local community, offering information sessions and Q&As from 27–28 November.
Community collaboration has been key. Spiralis has worked closely with the States of Alderney, the Harbour Master, and the Alderney Wildlife Trust to secure necessary permits and ensure environmental safety. Sensors and cameras will monitor marine life during the tests, with data shared with local organizations.
The ‘Tides2Tea’ campaign invites the public to sponsor the project by purchasing a symbolic “future cup of tea” powered by tidal energy. Supporters’ names will be printed on the first Axial Skelter deployed in Alderney. “By inviting the public to join this journey, we’re showing how innovation, community, and action can come together to create a world where our greatest natural resource brings progress and opportunity,” added Levene.
Tidal energy offers a key advantage over solar and wind: predictability. It can be forecast accurately decades in advance, ensuring reliable power. George Illovy, Axial Skelter co-designer, highlighted the design’s simplicity: “Modelled on the natural elegance of the Turritella seashell, our Skelter is proof that innovation can be simple, effective, and deeply sustainable.”
Alderney officials support the project, hoping it will finally make tidal power viable for the island. “At last, Alderney will be able to say that tidal power is something tangible,” said Bill Abel, States Member and Lead of the Marine Working Group.
Spiralis Energy hopes that the Alderney trial will pave the way for broader use of tidal power, including national grids, island communities, and private applications such as data centers or hydrogen production.
