The Turn of the Tides

The latest report from the Sustainable Development Commission reveals that the energy contained in the tide around Rathlin Island could produce over 10% of the electricity we use in Northern Ireland.

The report, Turning the Tide, assesses the potential for the UK to generate clean and secure electricity, in large amounts, from the tides around these islands. The report examines both types of tidal power – tidal stream and tidal range – and makes a series of recommendations to Government on how best to take advantage of this untapped energy. Tidal stream technology is identified as having significant potential in Northern Ireland.

Tidal stream uses the energy contained in fast-flowing tidal currents generally found in constrained channels, such as those in Rathlin Sound and the Strangford Narrows. Tidal range technologies harness the water movement in estuaries with lager differences between high and low tides – their tidal range.

The SDC’s Vice-Chair for Northern Ireland, John Gilliland, said: “These emerging tidal stream technologies present exciting opportunities for low carbon energy production with the potential for huge rewards in export markets. Their eventual success will depend on the ingenuity and perseverance of the device developers, combined with the continued commitment of the UK and Northern Ireland Government.”

Turbine
The report contains a case study of the marine turbine to be tested in Strangford Lough. Once installed, this device will be connected to the grid and should generate enough electricity for around 1000 homes, This example well illustrates several difficulties for the nascent industry. Working in an environmentally sensitive area like Strangford is a major challenge for a demonstration project involving a new technology, but the testing and monitoring could nevertheless provide valuable information on the operation of a tidal stream turbine in a marine environment.

“As our report suggest, it is vital that a robust regulatory framework is in place, with appropriate safeguards to avoid undesirable environmental impacts. However, when it comes to evaluating the pros and cons of these fledgling technologies, it is crucial that each case is analysed individually,” Mr Gilliland stated.

“The report outlines some important lessons for use around tidal technology. Uniquely in the UK, Northern Ireland’s Sustainable Development Strategy has adopted a guiding principles to promote opportunity and innovation. Such innovation needs to be a fundamental part of the response to climate change. The Government must increase research and development expenditure and become less risk-averse in supporting novel ideas and technologies.”

Investment
The report praises the good use of public investment in Scotland, where the new European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney has accelerated the development of the industry and stimulated private sector investment in an economically and environmentally efficient way. It also examines in considerable detail, the proposals to establish a tidal barrage across the Severn between England and Wales and offers clear advice to Government on how this project should be advanced.

The commission has concluded that the UK has the potential to generate large amounts of clean and secure electricity from the tides, one of the low-carbon solutions that will help to cut the UK’s CO2 emissions by at least 60 percent by 2050. The approach it prescribes would enable Government to deliver s significant amount of new renewable energy without compromising the UK’s international obligations on conservation and biodiversity.