Medium-term variability of the UK's combined tidal energy resource for a net-zero carbon grid

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The small area of the United Kingdom relative to weather systems makes renewable energy sources variable on short time scales. Short term variability is therefore a growing concern with increasing amounts of renewable energy integration. In this work, we address how tidal energy can contribute to reducing medium-term variability in the future UK energy mix. Two tidal integration scenarios are defined for 2050: for each scenario, a 5-min interval generation profile is calculated using an oceanographic model of UK tides, and the medium-term variability is assessed. Here we show that tidal power shows a lower level of variability compared to other resources. During spring tides, a national network of tidal power stations can produce continuous, although variable, electricity. It is then shown that tidal energy and storage can provide year-round continuous and constant power output, i.e. baseload generation. Therefore, we conclude that tidal energy can provide positive contributions and complement other renewable energy sources.

Keywords

  • Tidal energy, Renewable energy sources, Grid integration, Energy storage
Original languageEnglish
Article number121990
JournalEnergy
Volume238
Early online date6 Sept 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2022

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