Wave & Tidal Energy
The UK is currently the undisputed global leader in marine energy, with more wave and tidal stream devices installed than the rest of the world combined.
This leading position is built on an established marine engineering heritage. The UK has created ground-breaking testing facilities, and the best marine energy resource in Europe. Wave and tidal energy combined has the potential to deliver around 20 per cent of the UK’s current electricity needs which equates to an installed capacity of around 30 – 50GW. [Reference: DECC
Overview
Wave and tidal stream energy is electricity generated from the movement of wave and tidal flows.
Wave power is much more predictable than wind power – and it increases during the winter, when electricity demand is at its highest. Tidal stream energy is also predictable and consistent.
It is estimated the UK has around 50% of Europe’s tidal energy resource, and a study in 2004 estimated the UK’s technical resource at around 16 terawatts per hour per year (TWh/year) (4% of overall supply).
Wave and tidal stream potential
Wave and tidal stream energy has the potential to meet up to 20% of the UK’s current electricity demand, representing a 30-to-50 gigawatt (GW) installed capacity.
Between 200 and 300 megawatts (MWs) of generation capacity may be able to be deployed by 2020, and at the higher end of the range, up to 27GWs by 2050 (see theRenewable Energy Roadmap).
The UK is currently seen as a world leader and focal point for the development of wave and tidal stream technologies because it has an abundance of marine energy resource.
With its excellent marine resource and its expertise in oil and gas exploration, the UK is in a unique position to benefit from this type of renewable energy – and to develop related wave and tidal stream services. The industry is still in its early stages however, and further research is needed to determine how best to exploit these assets.
Tidal range potential
Studies have estimated the UK’s total theoretical tidal range resource at between 25 and 30GWs – enough to supply around 12% of current UK electricity demand. The majority of this is in the Severn estuary (which has between 8 and 12GW), with the estuaries and bays of the north west representing a similar amount and the east coast a further 5 to 6GW.
The 2-year cross-government Severn tidal power feasibility study could not see a strategic case for public investment in a Severn tidal scheme in the immediate term, though private sector groups are continuing to investigate the potential. Other potential projects assessed by developers at sites around the UK include the Mersey, the Solway Firth and the North Wales ]
Commercial viability is just around the corner and the UK is well placed to capture a significant share of the global market, forecast to be worth £50 billion by 2050.
Recent focus has been on proving the technology works and reducing costs through the operation of demonstration devices. The UK is now set to lead the world into the next phase by installing the first wave and tidal energy farms, known as arrays – a complex engineering challenge.
While the current installed capacity is fairly modest at almost 9 megawatts (MW), the industry is on track to deliver over 120MW by 2020 – making a meaningful contribution to the UK’s energy mix.
Wave and tidal stream energy technology will help decarbonise our energy supply; increase energy security and reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels.It is set to employ 20,000 people from 2035 and contribute towards continued economic prosperity as we export our skills, services and products.
The wave and tidal knowledge network
The Crown Estate, in collaboration with industry, have developed a portal to all existing wave and tidal resources. The Knowledge Network facilitates the exchange of data in the emerging wave and tidal energy industry and contains many resources on a range of relevant topics, including reports and datasets that can be downloaded for free.
Consenting position papers series
It is essential that the wave and tidal energy industry understands its impacts on the marine environment and methods for minimising or mitigating them. RenewableUK has been working with Scottish Renewables and The Natural Environment Research council and Scottish Renewables to consolidate existing knowledge through the development of a series of position papers. Developed in collaboration with industrial stakeholders, key consenting bodies, NGOs and regulators, the series of position papers provide a summary of key research and evidence as well as making a series of recommendations that will help steer further work.
- See more at: http://www.renewableuk.com/en/renewable-energy/wave-and-tidal/index.cfm#sthash.gK727X4R.dpuf
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