Research and Development > Tidal Power Potential
Tidal stream energy (tidal energy or tidal power) is energy contained in naturally occurring tidal currents which can be extracted and converted into electricity. Strong tidal streams are most frequently found near headlands and islands. Tidal energy devices use the flow of water (kinetic energy) that is generated from tides to generate electricity. (This is different from ‘tidal range’ devices, such as barrages, that use the change in the height of water due to tides to create electricity).
It has been estimated that tidal stream energy could theoretically supply more than 150 TWh per annum (Black & Veatch). This represents a potential total global market size of up to 90 GW of generating capacity, or electricity sales with a value, based on prevailing consumer prices, of up to €20 billion.
The UK has been identified as one of the countries with the greatest tidal energy potential. Its economic potential for tidal stream energy is estimated to be approximately half of Europe’s resource potential, and between 10–15% of global tidal stream energy potential. In terms of technical tidal energy potential is it estimated that the UK has 18 TWh, and in terms of estimated economic potential, the UK is estimated to have 13 TWh.4 The total potential economic market size of tidal energy in the UK, at consumer prices, is therefore approximately €1.7 billion.
Other territories with significant tidal power potential include Canada, the USA, Argentina, Russia, France, Australia, New Zealand, India and Korea.
