Abstract
Tidal current energy is global, abundant and a valuable source of untapped renewable energy. It is generated by the movement of ocean water volumes during changing tides, resulting in reversing current flows that can be intensified near coasts with constraining topography. This energy can be harnessed using either seabed-mounted or floating tidal current turbines. There is also technology designed to capture energy from ocean currents (nearly continuous and relatively constant unidirectional flow) and from river currents.
The tidal energy sector has been consistently delivering step changes in recent years, with developers focusing on building up experience with long term operation and the execution of maintenance programs, but also on the installation of new turbine designs, developing improved control systems and optimizing fully integrated power train solutions. These innovations aim to reduce the cost of tidal energy technology, increase rated power and enhance turbine performance.
Several projects under development are delivering local economic value for coastal communities. Developers are also delivering comprehensive environmental monitoring programmes and collaborating with several partners to address marine spatial planning issues for wide-scale uptake of tidal energy. All these efforts are being supported by highly experienced partners who are dedicated to the delivery of tidal energy and committed to accelerating its future uptake with a meaningful impact. By working together, the sector is making progress towards the development of large-scale, commercially viable tidal energy projects, with a continued path of cost reduction alongside enhanced reliability