Untapped Potential of Tidal Energy Revolutionizing Renewable Power Solutions

Highlights:

• A brief on tidal energy
• Modern tidal energy technologies
• Reasons propelling the demand for tidal energy
• Real-time instances of tidal energy utilization

As the world increasingly adopts renewable energy sources to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, tidal energy is emerging as a promising and underutilized resource. This form of energy, derived from the natural rise and fall of ocean tides, offers a consistent and predictable source of power. With the potential to provide substantial amounts of clean electricity, tidal energy stands out as an ideal alternative in the transition to a sustainable energy future.

Understanding tidal energy

Tidal energy is generated by the gravitational forces exerted by the moon and the sun, combined with the rotation of the Earth. These forces cause periodic changes in sea levels, known as tides. By capturing the kinetic and potential energy of these tides, tidal power systems generate electricity. There are two primary methods for harnessing tidal energy which include tidal stream systems and tidal range systems. Tidal steam systems use the kinetic energy of moving water to turn turbines, like how wind turbines operate. These systems are typically installed in areas with strong tidal currents, such as narrow straits or inlets. The movement of the water drives the turbines, which in turn generate electricity.

However, tidal range systems capitalize on the potential energy difference between high and low tides. This is usually achieved through the construction of a tidal barrage or lagoon. When the tide comes in, water is allowed to flow into a reservoir. As the tide goes out, the stored water is released through turbines, generating electricity.

Tidal energy technologies

There exist several methods to capture tidal energy, with various advantages and drawbacks. The most established is the tidal barrage, which is a large dam built across a tidal basin. Water flows through these tidal barrages, generating electricity through turbines.

Another technology, which has gained momentum in recent years, is the tidal turbine. Similar to wind turbines, these structures are submerged in the ocean, capturing energy as the tides flow through their rotors. They offer several advantages over tidal barrages, including lower environmental impacts and more scalability. Moreover, these underwater turbines share some similarities with wind-based renewable resources, such as wind turbine generators; both technologies use the power of rotating turbines to generate electricity but operate in different environments.

Reasons why tidal energy is the next big wave in renewable power

Tidal patterns are highly predictable since they are driven by the highly regular positions of the moon and sun and the rotation of the Earth. The cyclical nature of tides ebbing and flowing makes it easier to plan for and balance tidal energy supply with energy demand within a power grid. Moreover, it offers greater consistency as the ocean and gravity never stops. Whether it is night or day, rain or shine, the kinetic energy of the ocean can produce electricity without end. This regularity complements other existing renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Nonetheless, tidal devices are practically invisible to humans because they are often fully or partially submerged. Their proximity to large coastal population centers reduces the need for long transmission lines too. However, there are only a limited number of locations where the tides are strong enough to make sense for deployment. These prime locations often occur where the ocean is constrained between land masses, such as an ocean channel, narrow bay entrance or between islands.

Some notable instances of tidal energy being used today

In April 2024, the O2 tidal turbine made by Orbital Marine Power, an innovative Scottish engineering company, has become the most powerful tidal steam generator in the world. The tidal turbine is capable of generating enough electricity to power 2,000 homes. The Orbital O2 2 MW turbine comprises a 74 m long cylindrical floating steel superstructure, which houses power conversion and auxiliary systems and provides reference and attachment for two leg structures with nacelles mounted at their ends.

Orbital O2 is fundamentally designed for ease of access and inexpensive maintenance. As a floating device, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance operations on electrical, control and hydraulic systems can be done onboard the device by transferring personnel from a small vessel such as a RIB onto the hull of the Orbital O2. From here, personnel can enter the hull and access most equipment.

Moreover, in September 2023, the Swedish company Minesto produced 00kW capacity underwater tidal kites which “fly” through tidal currents in a figure-eight pattern while tethered to the ocean floor. The lifting force of this pattern augments water speeds to push a turbine at the back of the kite to produce electricity, likely expanding the number of sites where tidal energy can be deployed.

On the other hand, The United States has a few companies stepping into tidal energy too. In August 2023, The Ocean Renewable Power Company based in Maine developed river-energy generators this year by testing a TidGen tidal device in Cobscook Bay, Maine. The company has plans for four upgraded versions in the coming years.

The future aspects of tidal energy

The future of the tidal energy industry looks promising, with continued advancements in technology and growing recognition of its benefits. Innovations in turbine design, materials, and construction techniques are making tidal energy more feasible and cost-effective. Additionally, the integration of tidal energy into existing energy grids is becoming more streamlined, enhancing its viability as a mainstream power source. Moreover, the increase in funding for research and development, tax incentives and loans, the Inflation Reduction Act will likely spur much of the expansion and innovation in tidal and other renewable energy forms over the next decade.

Summing up, tidal energy represents a significant opportunity to harness the natural power of oceans for sustainable electricity generation. Its predictability, low environmental impact during operation, and potential for substantial energy output make it an attractive component of the renewable energy landscape.

To identify and capitalize on the emerging opportunities in the tidal energy industry, reach out to our industry specialists today! They will also help you identify and mitigate risks associated with investments.

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