The UK has the Worlds Second Largest Tidal Energy
Predictable Energy
Our tidal power is highly predictable because it's driven by the consistent gravitational pull of the moon and sun, making its energy output reliable and consistent, unlike wind or solar, with short, regular gaps only when tides change direction. This predictability allows for precise forecasting, enhancing energy grid stability and reducing reliance on battery storage.
Cost Effective and Stable Energy Price
The primary benefit of tidal energy is its inherent predictability and stability, which provides value to the wider energy system.
- Predictability: Tides are accurately forecastable years, even centuries, in advance, unlike intermittent sources like wind and solar which rely on weather conditions.
- System Benefits: This predictability provides a "premium" value to the grid by reducing system-wide costs associated with balancing the network, maintaining reserve capacity, and managing sudden supply changes. A study by Imperial College London found that deploying tidal energy could lead to average annual savings for UK consumers by reducing overall system costs.
- Longevity: Tidal barrage installations, like the La Rance project in France, can operate for 120 years or more, offering a long-term, stable asset with a very low LCOE over its lifetime.