Abstract
This paper provides a preliminary assessment of potential energy of tidal currents in the Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi. Using two and three dimensional ocean hydrodynamic model, the assessment was done. A nesting method has been applied in order to simulate tidal currents in the Sulawesi Sea and the Lembeh Straits. Three dimensional simulation results at the Lembeh straits was validated using observation data, which are obtained from filed measurement campaign on 3 to 23 April 2016. Estimation of tidal current or tidal stream power was focused in the Lembeh Straits. The simulation results show power density during a tidal cycle can reach maximum value about 72.346,23 W/m2 at full moon condition. This amount of power is stored in the area between Sarena Island and Sulawesi Island. The result of tidal stream power estimation also reveals strong tidal currents that associated with maximum power occur during flood tide condition.