Tidal power has the potential to significantly contribute to global energy demands, with some estimates suggesting it could generate up to 1,200 terawatt-hours annually. Despite its long history and proven technology on a small scale, tidal energy has yet to be adopted on a commercial scale comparable to wind and solar power. The main limitation is the availability of resources, as tidal energy is less widespread than these other renewable sources. However, one of tidal energy’s key strengths is its predictability, offering a reliable and consistent energy source.
Scotland has emerged as a leader in tidal energy, developing international expertise in the sector. The country is home to the world’s first tidal stream array and is targeting 700MW of installed capacity by 2035. Matthew Finn, commercial director of the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), believes Scotland has the necessary resources, technology, and sites to develop a thriving tidal energy industry.
Despite the promising potential, many developers are still refining tidal technologies, facing challenges such as variations in turbine design and the lack of standardisation. These technical barriers are compounded by the difficulty in establishing a reliable supply chain. To overcome these obstacles, EMEC has been at the forefront of testing and developing tidal technologies, providing independent performance analysis to boost investor confidence. EMEC has also contributed to global efforts by generating green hydrogen from tidal energy, demonstrating the viability of storing renewable energy.
Cost remains a significant hurdle for the tidal industry, but EMEC’s facilities help developers reduce costs by offering a safe environment for testing new technologies. The centre also plays a critical role in gathering data to show governments the potential benefits of tidal power. As the industry grows, there are increasing opportunities for UK-based production of components and materials, which should strengthen the supply chain and open up export possibilities.
EMEC is also focusing on the environmental impact of tidal technologies, particularly their effects on marine life. Though monitoring has yet to reveal any major negative impacts, ongoing research will continue to ensure the industry grows in harmony with the environment.
Scotland continues to attract global attention for its tidal energy projects. The MeyGen project, owned by SAE Renewables, is developing the world’s largest tidal stream facility with a total capacity of 398MW. Phase one, which is already operational, includes four turbines with a combined capacity of 6MW. Subsequent phases are planned, with the aim of reaching 59MW by 2027 and a further 200MW by 2030. The turbines have been operating since 2016, providing a reliable source of electricity and contributing significantly to global tidal energy generation. MeyGen’s progress could potentially lead to Scotland reaching 500MW of tidal stream generation, setting the stage for a predictable and reliable source of baseload power.
While tidal energy still faces challenges, Scotland’s role in advancing the technology and demonstrating its potential makes it a key player in the future of renewable energy. The industry is poised to grow as technologies mature and the supply chain strengthens, positioning tidal power as an increasingly important source of clean, reliable energy.
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.
