Tidal range electricity generation into the 22nd century

Vandercruyssen, D. and Baker, S. and Howard, D. and Aggidis, G. (2024) Tidal range electricity generation into the 22nd century. Proceedings of Institution of Civil Engineers: Energy.

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Abstract

Tidal range electricity generation schemes are designed to have a minimum operational life of at least 120 years, making it important to plan for changes such as Sea Level Rise (SLR). Previous studies have shown that schemes can maintain the existing tidal range within the impoundment and protect areas from flooding. Here it is demonstrated that tidal range technology can maintain the current tidal extent despite SLR and suggests the operational strategies to achieve it. The approach is the only way to safeguard existing intertidal habitats. Mechanical and electrical plant requires a major overall, upgrade or replacement every 40 years; the levelised cost of energy (LCOE) is structured in 40year periods reducing after the first period. Increasing the capacity or efficiency of the plant during the refits allows the protection of low-lying areas to be maintained and more electricity to be generated. The strategy requires energy to be used in pumping to achieve the current low tidal limits and the incoming tide to be curtailed to maintain the high tide extent, but there is very little effect on annual electricity production (AEP). Flexible operation can offer some protection from riverine flooding and existing inundation cycles can be maintained. Highlights • Changes to tidal range electricity generation with increasing sea level. • Ability to protect intertidal areas and habitats by maintaining existing tide limits. • Two-way tidal range generation with pumping to existing low tide limits.