TIDAL POWER IN THE UK SENTHIL SUDERSHAN CV

Tidal Power Tides are caused by the gravitational attraction of the moon and sun acting upon the oceans of the earth as it rotates. The hydropower that converts the energy of tides into electricity is called TIDAL POWER. Out of all the possible tidal power station sites identified by a recent study, 40% exists in UK Basically there are two types. 1. Tidal Stream 2. Tidal Range

Types of Tidal Resources Tidal Streams: Tidal stream systems make use of the kinetic energy of moving water to power turbines, in a similar way to windmills that use moving air. This method is gaining in popularity because of the lower cost and lower ecological impact compared to barrages. Tidal Range: The vertical distance between the high and low tides is called tidal range All places with a high tidal range have strong tidal currents and this is harnessed by constructing barrages across them.

Tidal Stream resources in the UK 1.Pentland Firth(60% of the UK resource) 2.Sheltland sites 3.North Orkney sites 4.Pentaland Firth Sites 5.Kyle Rhea 6.Islay 7.Mul of Kintyre 8.Rathlin 9.Mul of Galloway 10.Copeland Island & Strangford 11.Anglesey 12.Lieyn Peninsula 13.Pembrokeshire 14.Lundy 15.Cape Cornwall & Land Ends 16.Lizard Point 17.Bristol Channel 18.Foreland point 19.Isle of Wight 20.Portland

Tidal range resources in the UK The prominent Tidal Range resources are Severn Estuary Mersey Estuary Loughor Estuary Duddon Estuary Wyre Estuary Thames Estuary

THE SEVERN BARRAGE The Severn Barrage is the main proposed tidal power station to be built across the Bristol Channel (Severn Estuary). The River Severn has a tidal range of 14 metres - the second highest in the world - making it perfect for tidal power generation. There are two main barrage proposals on the table as on Feb 24,2010 are Other barrages in Severn Estuary are Beachley Barrage Fleming Lagoon Bridgwater Bay Lagoon Cardiff-Weston Barrage - located between Brean Down and Lavernock Point, estimated to cost £20.9bn and generate 16.8TWh/year or some 4.4% of UK electricity. Shoots Barrage - located near the Severn road crossings, estimated to cost £3.2bn to construct and generate 2.7TWh/year or just under 1% of UK electricity

Advantages & Disadvantages Does not emit CO2 or any other wastes Inexpensive fuel source as it uses water Elec. produced is reliable as tides are predictable Acts as a ready made road bridge Initial high cost Power generated does not match with the time of demand Limited construction sites Affects marine life

Projection Year Energy consumption of UK in PJ Tidal Contribution in % Tidal Contribution in PJ NIL

Conclusion The future of Tidal power in UK is very promising as 1.It is an island nation with huge energy resources in their tidal currents 2.Tidal power can be used cost-effectively on scales from very small to very large, using new simple technology. 3.The tidal energy is so predictable and one can practically adjust to it. 4.It is clean non-polluting energy that can be tapped affordably

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