Tidal energy: Harvesting clean energy from the ocean

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• December 1, 2021

Harnessing the power of tides offers a promising, predictable, and consistent source of renewable energy, with methods ranging from tidal barrages to seabed turbines and tidal fences. As countries aim for renewable energy targets, tidal power emerges as a significant player, offering potential economic growth, job creation, and energy security. However, careful management is required to mitigate potential environmental impacts, including effects on marine life and coastal landscapes.

Tidal energy context

Tidal energy is a form of hydropower that converts the energy obtained from tides into electricity or other useful forms of power. It's a renewable source of energy that is predictable and consistent, unlike some other forms of renewable energy. Harnessing this energy can be achieved in several ways, one of which is through the use of tidal barrages. 

A tidal barrage is a type of dam built across the opening to a tidal basin. It has a series of gates that control the flow of water in and out of the basin. As the tide comes in, the gates close, trapping water in the basin. When the tide goes out, the gates open, allowing the trapped water to flow out through turbines that generate electricity.

Another method of harnessing tidal energy is through the use of tidal turbines. They are typically installed on the seabed in areas with strong tidal currents. As the tide flows in and out, the water turns the blades of the turbine, which drives a generator to produce electricity.

Lastly, tidal fences can also be used to capture tidal energy. These structures are essentially a series of turbines lined up in a row, similar to a fence. As the tide moves in and out, water flows through the turbines, causing them to spin and generate electricity. This method is often used in shallow waters where it's not feasible to install individual tidal turbines.

Disruptive impact

The deployment of tidal energy technologies, such as the floating turbine launched by Orbital Marine Power, signals a shift in the energy landscape. As countries like Scotland strive to meet ambitious renewable energy targets, tidal power could play an increasingly significant role. As tidal energy is predictable and consistent, it could help to smooth out the fluctuations in power supply that can occur with other renewable sources like wind and solar, leading to fewer power outages and lowering electricity bills.

Companies specializing in renewable energy technologies could find a growing market for their products and services. Those in coastal regions could benefit from the installation and maintenance of tidal energy infrastructure, creating jobs. Furthermore, businesses that require a lot of energy, such as manufacturing plants, could potentially relocate to areas with abundant tidal energy resources to take advantage of lower energy costs.

However, governments and regulatory bodies may need to carefully manage the expansion of tidal energy to mitigate potential environmental impacts. The concern about the effect on marine life is valid and requires careful consideration and monitoring. Strategies could include designing turbines that minimize harm to marine creatures and conducting thorough environmental impact assessments before new projects are approved. Additionally, governments could invest in research and development to further improve the technology and reduce its environmental footprint.

Implications of tidal energy

Wider implications of harvesting tidal energy may include:

• More technical and maintenance jobs as marine engineering companies increasingly build turbines, barrages, and various other forms of tidal energy installations.
• The development of automated turbine models that can transport themselves to different marine locations accurately to capture tides as they occur.
• Impacted migration patterns for coastal marine wildlife due to the presence of turbines and barrages.
• Remote coastal communities gaining the ability to operate off the main energy grid thanks to future installations of remote tidal turbine energy. 
• Enhanced energy security reducing the risk of power shortages and price volatility associated with other energy sources.
• The installation of tidal energy infrastructure altering coastal landscapes, potentially impacting tourism and other industries that rely on natural beauty.
• Workers in traditional energy sectors like coal and oil requiring retraining and support for displaced workers.
• The potential impact on marine ecosystems leading to new regulations and restrictions, creating additional hurdles for the development and deployment of tidal energy technologies.

Questions to consider

• Do you think tidal energy could become a meaningful energy source in the way solar and wind power have become since the 2010s?
• How do you think the seascape would be significantly affected by having multiple turbines along coastlines?