Matching tidal current plants to local flow conditions

This paper is an outline of a methodology which may be used to optimise the development of a tidal current resource. The size and potential of the European tidal current energy resource is indicated and a brief description of a potential technology option is given. The overlying principles of resource conversion are discussed and a methodology required to achieve optimal exploitation is presented. Aspects of the methodology are outlined using examples drawn from tidal current studies in the European Union (EU).