Site selection procedures for tidal in-stream energy in the Philippines: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

A preliminary tidal in-stream resource assessment is conducted for four sites in the Philippines. A review of available baseline data is done. Said data reviewed include: simulated tidal current velocities calibrated with actual measurements over a month period; simulated tidal in-stream energy density; bathymetry of the region; proximity to grid infrastructure; presence of protected areas, marine sanctuary and recreational areas; navigational routes and historical seismological data. Decision making procedures for the selection of an appropriate site and location using multi-attribute decision analysis (MDA) are outlined. Recommendations for additional data to improve the site selection process are also provided.

Current trends and prospects of tidal energy technology

“…Tidal stream energy holds more potential compared to wave energy, or offshore wind energy; however, very few areas are suitable for extraction of tidal stream energy. Technology concerning the extraction of tidal stream energy is still in the nascent stage of development; however, it has massive potential to gain a significant fraction in the future energy mix for sites in: UK, Canada, France (Guillou et al 2018;Coles et al 2017), Norway, Spain (González-Caballín et al 2016); Indonesia (Orhan et al 2015), Taiwan (Chen et al 2013), China (Gao et al 2015), Malaysia (Lim and Koh 2010), Philippines (Buhali et al 2012), and New Zealand (Moore and Boyle 2014). The tides in the oceans hold massive energy potential and could potentially be a prominent electrical energy source.…”