Abstract
The authors present in this paper the results of an initial assessment of the potential of tidal currents to generate energy in the Tagus estuary. The work is divided into three phases. The first phase comprises the setting up and calibration of a detailed finite element model for the estuary starting in the ocean boundary. The model was calibrated and verified using water levels and current velocities for several measuring stations within the estuary. The measuring campaign took place in 1987 and was performed by Instituto Hidrográfico of the Portuguese Navy. The records are of good quality and cover a period of spring and neap tides. The model give clear indication about the flow pattern within the estuary showing the places were high current velocities are likely to occur. Calculation of the tidal power on selected locations was made. The second phase consisted on the study of the requirements of tidal turbines in terms of site conditions: mainly the minimum water depth and current velocity required for installation. In addition a review was made to understand the development of tidal turbine technology. Three types of turbines were selected as having potential for the site, which usually are associated with moderate current velocity. The third and final phase was the study of the estuary “map-use” trough the construction of a GIS system that allows the identification of locations of potential conflict.