The demand for reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy solutions is greater than ever, especially for data centres. As administrators seek to reduce carbon footprints and operational costs, integrating renewable energy sources has become imperative. Tidal energy presents a unique opportunity, offering consistent power generation without the intermittency of solar and wind energy. Advances in tidal technology are making this a more viable solution, bringing the possibility of harnessing ocean currents for data centre operations closer to reality.
Tidal energy is generated by the natural movement of ocean currents as tides rise and fall. Unlike wind and solar, which are weather-dependent, tidal energy is highly predictable. To harness this power effectively, locations with a minimum 10-foot tidal range are required, ensuring optimal electricity production. The three primary tidal energy generation methods include tidal range, tidal current, and hybrid systems, each offering unique benefits for renewable energy integration.
Tidal range turbines capture energy from the height difference between high and low tides. This method typically involves tidal barrages, lagoons, or fences, which use retaining walls to create a water reservoir. As water flows in and out, turbines generate electricity. Tidal lagoons offer more flexibility in placement than barrages, as they can be located further offshore while still producing significant energy output.
Tidal current turbines, also known as tidal stream turbines, operate similarly to wind turbines but use underwater currents to generate power. Positioned horizontally or vertically to maximise efficiency, these turbines harness continuous water movement to produce electricity. A variation of this approach, tidal kites, uses tethered underwater structures that move with slower currents, effectively capturing energy in areas with lower flow speeds. Another innovative approach, oscillating water columns, uses wave and tide motion to compress trapped air, driving a power take-off mechanism.
Hybrid tidal systems combine elements of tidal range and tidal current technologies, maximising energy efficiency. Dynamic tidal power, for example, utilises long dams built perpendicular to the coast with integrated turbines. As the tide flows over the structure, turbines generate power from the water height difference. These bidirectional turbines can switch directions as the tide changes, ensuring continuous power production.
The advantages of tidal energy are substantial. As a renewable source, tidal energy is driven by the gravitational forces of the moon and sun, ensuring consistent water movement without greenhouse gas emissions. This contributes to long-term sustainability while reducing dependency on fossil fuels. Additionally, tidal energy is more predictable than solar and wind, as tidal cycles occur with regularity. While tidal energy production is intermittent, occurring twice daily, the reliability of these cycles enhances its feasibility as a dependable power source. The density of water also allows for a higher power output, enabling large-scale energy production with a relatively small footprint. Over time, tidal technology proves to be cost-effective, as long-term operational savings offset initial infrastructure investments.
Despite its promise, tidal energy is not yet a widespread power source for data centres. However, developments are underway. Companies such as Iron Mountain and SeaQurrent are actively working to implement tidal kite technology, demonstrating the growing interest in this renewable solution. Globally, tidal projects are progressing, with commercial operations already established in the UK, Netherlands, France, and Korea. Scotland’s MeyGen project, for instance, currently generates enough tidal power to supply approximately 6,000 homes. While Canada’s only tidal power plant ceased operations in 2021, the US is advancing with multiple test projects in various stages of development.
Tidal energy holds immense potential for powering data centres sustainably. While its widespread adoption remains on the horizon, technological advancements and infrastructure development continue to bring this renewable energy source closer to mainstream viability. As coastal regions explore innovative ways to integrate tidal power, the future of sustainable data centre operations looks increasingly promising.
SAE Renewables Limited (LON:SAE) was founded in 2005 as a supplier of tidal stream turbines, SAE quickly grew to include development of tidal stream projects and is the majority owner of MeyGen, the world’s largest tidal stream energy project.
