Tidal energy resource assessment for the Irish grid

Tidal energy is seen as a near market-ready source of predictably variable energy generation, which has the implication that the level of tidal generation can be dispatched with conventional generation, leaving no need for extra reserve. Such a form of generation would be welcomed by the grid system operators in preference to unpredictable generators. Three developers´ tidal energy devices (TEDs) have been considered as systems in the late stages of development, 2 systems with horizontal axis turbines and 1 system with an undulating wing design. The magnitude of the tidal resource was estimated to be capable of an average output of 130 MW at a few suitable locations using the first commercial TEDs, with the implication of only a small reduction in the diurnal variation in supply. Following advances in TED size, it may be possible get an average output of 325 MW over a greater area. This would lead to a greater ability to reduce diurnal variation of supply by spreading the feasible tidal generation sites over more diverse tidal phases.