The Crown Estate recently released the findings of a report that it had undertaken into the potential capacity of marine energy that is available in the UK. The findings estimate that as much as 153GW could be harnessed from tidal power, using a variety of different technologies.
The report suggests that 32GW capacity of tidal stream devices could be installed, to produce 95TWh a year; tidal range barrage schemes could supply 96TWh a year from 45GW of installed capacity; and tidal range lagoon systems could generate 25TWh a year with an installation capacity of 14GW. The report also mentioned that 27GW of wave energy could also be installed to produce 69TWh of electricity a year.
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Rob Hastings, the director of the Crown Estate energy and infrastructure portfolio, has made clear that the findings of the report are only theoretical; designed to provide a reference for the future development of the industry.
"While the science of wave and tidal resource assessment is still emerging, and future work will clarify the resources that are practically available, it is clear that wave and tidal energy could contribute substantially to the UK's electricity needs."
"Improving understanding about the extent and locations of resources will help to accelerate development in a sustainable way."
By. Charles Kennedy of Oilprice.com
Charles is a writer for Oilprice.com More