This paper outlines present thinking on the determination of accessible tidal current resources within channels and other potentially exploitable locations. The fundamental principles behind tides and tidal currents are briefly discussed and the implications of temporal and spatial variations on the evaluation of the resources considered in the context of artificial energy exploitation. The thinking behind the flux approach to resource estimation is presented and an example based on the Pentland Firth is considered. The impact of energy extraction on the flow patterns is considered in both one and two dimensions and the principles required for three-dimensional analyses are presented in a generic form.
Tidal energy has the potential to play a key role in meeting renewable energy targets set out by the United Kingdom (UK) government and devolved administrations. Attention has been drawn to this resource as a number of locations with high tidal current velocity have recently been leased by the Crown Estate for commercial development. Although tides are periodic and predictable, there are times when the current velocity is too low for any power generation. However, it has been proposed that a portfolio of diverse sites located around the UK will deliver a firm aggregate output due to the relative phasing of the tidal signal around the coast. This paper analyses whether firm tidal power is feasible with 'first generation' tidal current generators suitable for relatively shallow water, high velocity sites. This is achieved through development of realistic scenarios of tidal current energy industry development. These scenarios incorporate constraints relating to assessment of the economically harvestable resource, tidal technology potential and the practical limits to energy extraction dictated by environmental response and spatial availability of resource. The final scenario is capable of generating 17 TWh/year with an effective installed capacity of 7.8 GW, at an average capacity factor of 29.9% from 7 major locations. However, it is concluded that there is insufficient diversity between sites suitable for first generation tidal current energy schemes for a portfolio approach to deliver firm power generation.
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