Research identifies potential tidal energy site in Scotland

(PhysOrg.com) -- Research undertaken by Cranfield University students for E.ON on tidal energy provided a useful model and recommendations for the assessment and development of possible tidal energy sites in the UK.

The growing threat of global warming combined with increasing costs of energy, the reliance upon foreign fuels and the limited reserves of fossil fuels has seen a drive towards ‘cleaner’ renewable energies that are generated locally and have significantly smaller adverse impacts on the environment. While the concept of tidal energy has been around for some time, the technology is still not widely used, and offers significant future potential.

This research, undertaken by a team of students as part of the group project element of the Offshore Renewable Energy postgraduate course, was commissioned by E.ON, who had identified a number of potential sites for tidal energy generation, including the Mull of Galloway in Scotland, one of their top ten locations in terms of the speed of the tide and current.

The team were tasked with assessing the feasibility of locating a tidal energy farm in the Mull of Galloway, including identifying a suitable location, specifying the most suitable turbine device, producing an economic plan and planning for future maintenance activity. Students were required to consider the economical, technological and environmental constraints, and subsequently produced a full report outlining recommendations for developing a tidal energy farm at this location.

Amaan Lafayette, Marine Development Manager at E.ON, said: "The Mull of Galloway project presented a real world challenge to the students from Cranfield University. They applied themselves well to the task proving to be both competent and effective across the full range of disciplines needed to assess a potential marine generation project. E.ON is keen to work with Cranfield again on future projects and wishes each of the students every success in their professional careers."

Provided by Cranfield University