Harnessing the UK’s Tidal Waves for Renewable Energy
by : Eunice Rodriguez |
Published: November 7, 2023
The UK, with its powerful tides, is pioneering tidal energy solutions, aiming to harness a predictable and potent power source. As the world seeks sustainable alternatives, tidal energy emerges as a promising contender, despite challenges.
The United Kingdom, an island nation known for its robust tides, is exploring the vast potential of tidal power as a means to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. While wind and solar technologies have made significant strides, the quest for renewable energy sources remains insatiable.
Dr. Amanda Smyth of the University of Oxford emphasizes the untapped potential of tidal power, noting that it has yet to be developed on a large scale. However, she is optimistic about the future, especially given the UK's unique position to harness this energy. British companies are leading the charge with innovative designs, such as underwater kites designed to maximize rotor speeds.
Tides, driven by the moon's gravitational pull, offer a reliable and predictable source of energy. Unlike the intermittent nature of wind and solar power, tides can provide a consistent energy flow. This predictability gives tidal power a distinct advantage, with studies indicating it could cater to up to 11% of the UK's annual electricity needs.
Historical recognition of tidal energy's potential is evident in the Woodbridge Tidal Mill in Suffolk, which has utilized tidal energy for nearly a millennium. However, while larger dams and barrages have been constructed to generate electricity, they come with environmental concerns. These structures can disrupt marine ecosystems, affecting the salinity of water and posing threats to marine life.
Given these challenges, the focus has shifted to harnessing energy from tidal streams. These currents, created by tidal movements, are especially strong in areas where water is funneled through constrictions. The UK is spearheading research in this domain, with testing sites located in regions like the Orkney Islands, known for their extreme tidal streams.
Several innovative devices are under trial. MeyGen, a Scottish company, is installing massive turbines on the seafloor, with blades designed to spin with the flowing water. Another notable design is the Orbital O2, which floats on the water's surface and claims to be the world's most powerful tidal stream turbine, capable of powering 2,000 homes.
Tidal power has great potential because water is such a potent power source. It is nearly 1,000 times more dense than air, so the energy is far more concentrated. And it has another big advantage over renewable technologies like wind and solar - the tides are predictable. Wind and solar power are increasingly cheap to deploy, but only work when the sun is shining or the wind is blowing. Tidal power, on the other hand, can deliver a steady, reliable stream of energy day in, day out.
Further innovations are being explored in the Faroe Islands, where the Minesto "Dragon" employs tidal currents to elevate a submersible kite. This kite, tethered to the seabed, generates electricity as it "flies" underwater in a figure-eight pattern.
Despite the promise, tidal energy projects face significant cost challenges. According to the BBC, the harsh marine environment, characterized by strong waves, currents, and corrosive saltwater, poses engineering and maintenance hurdles. However, proponents of tidal power are optimistic, drawing parallels with the cost reductions witnessed in wind and solar technologies over the past decade.
Dr. Danny Coles of the University of Plymouth acknowledges the limitations, especially regarding the size restrictions of tidal turbines. Yet, the predictability of tides offers an economic advantage. Unlike wind and solar, tidal energy doesn't require backup power sources, potentially offsetting higher initial costs.
Recognizing the industry's potential, the UK government has extended generous subsidies to companies venturing into tidal technology. Eleven tidal stream energy projects recently secured government funding, with guaranteed purchase prices set higher than those for wind, solar, or even nuclear power. The aim is to bolster the growth of the tidal power industry, driving cost efficiencies in the long run.
Dr. Coles envisions a future where a significant portion of the UK's energy comes from tidal sources, benefiting the broader energy system. However, it's worth noting that tidal energy, while largely renewable, does have a minute impact on the Earth's rotation due to increased friction. But this effect is negligible, with scientists estimating that the process of lengthening our days has taken hundreds of millions of years.
Eunice is a sustainability writer whose passion is sharing accessible eco-friendly practices with GreenCitizen's global readership. She enjoys birdwatching during her downtime, often deriving inspiration from nature's resilience. An enthusiastic cyclist, she is also an ardent advocate of eco-friendly transport.
Renewable Energy ,
Harnessing the UK’s Tidal Waves for Renewable Energy
by : Eunice Rodriguez | Published: November 7, 2023
The UK, with its powerful tides, is pioneering tidal energy solutions, aiming to harness a predictable and potent power source. As the world seeks sustainable alternatives, tidal energy emerges as a promising contender, despite challenges.
The United Kingdom, an island nation known for its robust tides, is exploring the vast potential of tidal power as a means to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. While wind and solar technologies have made significant strides, the quest for renewable energy sources remains insatiable.
Dr. Amanda Smyth of the University of Oxford emphasizes the untapped potential of tidal power, noting that it has yet to be developed on a large scale. However, she is optimistic about the future, especially given the UK's unique position to harness this energy. British companies are leading the charge with innovative designs, such as underwater kites designed to maximize rotor speeds.
Tides, driven by the moon's gravitational pull, offer a reliable and predictable source of energy. Unlike the intermittent nature of wind and solar power, tides can provide a consistent energy flow. This predictability gives tidal power a distinct advantage, with studies indicating it could cater to up to 11% of the UK's annual electricity needs.
Historical recognition of tidal energy's potential is evident in the Woodbridge Tidal Mill in Suffolk, which has utilized tidal energy for nearly a millennium. However, while larger dams and barrages have been constructed to generate electricity, they come with environmental concerns. These structures can disrupt marine ecosystems, affecting the salinity of water and posing threats to marine life.
Given these challenges, the focus has shifted to harnessing energy from tidal streams. These currents, created by tidal movements, are especially strong in areas where water is funneled through constrictions. The UK is spearheading research in this domain, with testing sites located in regions like the Orkney Islands, known for their extreme tidal streams.
Several innovative devices are under trial. MeyGen, a Scottish company, is installing massive turbines on the seafloor, with blades designed to spin with the flowing water. Another notable design is the Orbital O2, which floats on the water's surface and claims to be the world's most powerful tidal stream turbine, capable of powering 2,000 homes.
Further innovations are being explored in the Faroe Islands, where the Minesto "Dragon" employs tidal currents to elevate a submersible kite. This kite, tethered to the seabed, generates electricity as it "flies" underwater in a figure-eight pattern.
Despite the promise, tidal energy projects face significant cost challenges. According to the BBC, the harsh marine environment, characterized by strong waves, currents, and corrosive saltwater, poses engineering and maintenance hurdles. However, proponents of tidal power are optimistic, drawing parallels with the cost reductions witnessed in wind and solar technologies over the past decade.
Dr. Danny Coles of the University of Plymouth acknowledges the limitations, especially regarding the size restrictions of tidal turbines. Yet, the predictability of tides offers an economic advantage. Unlike wind and solar, tidal energy doesn't require backup power sources, potentially offsetting higher initial costs.
Recognizing the industry's potential, the UK government has extended generous subsidies to companies venturing into tidal technology. Eleven tidal stream energy projects recently secured government funding, with guaranteed purchase prices set higher than those for wind, solar, or even nuclear power. The aim is to bolster the growth of the tidal power industry, driving cost efficiencies in the long run.
Dr. Coles envisions a future where a significant portion of the UK's energy comes from tidal sources, benefiting the broader energy system. However, it's worth noting that tidal energy, while largely renewable, does have a minute impact on the Earth's rotation due to increased friction. But this effect is negligible, with scientists estimating that the process of lengthening our days has taken hundreds of millions of years.
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Eunice Rodriguez
Eunice is a sustainability writer whose passion is sharing accessible eco-friendly practices with GreenCitizen's global readership. She enjoys birdwatching during her downtime, often deriving inspiration from nature's resilience. An enthusiastic cyclist, she is also an ardent advocate of eco-friendly transport.
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