Harnessing Tidal Power: The UK’s Clean Energy Future

The future of renewable energy in the UK is looking brighter than ever, as tidal power installations around the coastline are set to expand in the coming decades. Unlike wind and solar energy, tidal power offers a predictable and reliable source of clean electricity, and a groundbreaking new study has brought us closer to unlocking its full potential.

At the heart of this development is Orbital Marine Power’s O2, the world’s most powerful tidal turbine, situated in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. The O2 floats on the sea’s surface, tethered to the seabed by mooring lines, and has the capacity to generate enough electricity to power 2,000 UK homes annually. Unlike conventional turbines, its floating design represents a leap forward in harnessing the power of tidal streams, offering new opportunities to expand clean energy production.

However, the turbulent waters of the Orkney Islands, where tidal flows can exceed 8 knots, pose unique challenges for the renewable energy sector. To address these, a team of scientists used aerial drones and boat-based surveys to map the complex currents and assess the O2’s performance and environmental impact. Their findings, published in Nature Communications, offer groundbreaking insights into the optimal placement of tidal turbines to maximise efficiency while minimising disruption to marine habitats.

The study, led by researchers from the Marine Biological Association (MBA), the University of Plymouth, and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Shetland, highlighted both the potential and the complexities of tidal energy. By studying the O2’s wake – the downstream flow it creates – researchers determined how closely turbines could be placed without disrupting marine ecosystems or creating obstacles for marine life. For instance, breeding seabirds were found to forage in the predictable currents generated by the turbine, while orcas spotted nearby underscored the importance of site-specific assessments to protect local wildlife.

Dr Lilian Lieber, the lead author from the MBA and University of Plymouth, described the thrill and challenge of conducting surveys in such dynamic environments: “Collecting data in these turbulent waters is crucial for addressing the complexities the tidal energy industry faces today. Our novel methods provided robust insights into turbulent flows and wake signatures, helping us better understand how to optimise turbine placement.”

Tidal power is particularly promising because water is over 800 times denser than air, meaning tidal turbines can generate significantly more energy than wind turbines of a similar size. Research has shown that tidal stream energy could meet up to 11% of the UK’s annual electricity needs, highlighting its role as a cornerstone of the country’s clean energy future.

Despite these promising advancements, challenges remain. Scaling up the technology, securing grid connections, and ensuring turbines can endure the UK’s varied and often extreme marine conditions are all hurdles the industry must overcome. However, this new study offers hope by demonstrating cost-effective techniques for real-world data collection, bridging the gap between computer simulations and real-world environments.

Shaun Fraser, Senior Scientist from UHI Shetland, praised the collaborative efforts:

“This study showcases the benefits of combining scientific expertise and new technologies. As marine renewable energy infrastructure develops further, especially in the Highlands and Islands, this research will be invaluable for local industries and communities.”

The UK is uniquely positioned to lead the way in tidal energy innovation, with its extensive coastline and powerful tidal streams. By investing in research and embracing innovative technology like the O2, the country is taking significant strides towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

As Professor Alex Nimmo-Smith of the University of Plymouth aptly summarised: “If we are to get the greatest benefits from the clean energy revolution, assessments that factor in real-world environmental conditions will be critical. Whether it’s floating offshore wind farms in the Celtic Sea or tidal turbines in Scotland, the opportunities are immense, and studies like this help us to realise them.”

The promise of tidal energy is undeniable – a cleaner, greener future powered by the very currents that have shaped our island nation for centuries.

Visit the Orbital Marine Power’s official website here.

Discover the latest in clean energy innovation on EyeOnLondon.

Follow us on:

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!

We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!