Tidal energy, a lesser-known yet fascinating form of renewable energy, has quietly been a part of the global energy landscape for decades. What sets it apart is its ability to harness the rhythmic power of the tides, turning one of nature’s most reliable forces into clean, sustainable electricity. As the world accelerates towards a greener future, this technology, with roots dating back to the 1960s, is finding its stride.
Tidal energy, often referred to as ocean energy, leverages tidal movements to generate electricity. Historically, these movements powered grain mills in Europe, but today, they represent a cutting-edge solution for clean power generation. The world’s first tidal power plant, established in France in the 1970s on the Rance River estuary, led the charge, holding the global production record for decades. While South Korea’s Sihwa Lake plant now claims the top spot, Britain has emerged as the true leader in this field, producing half of Europe’s tidal energy thanks to its abundant tidal resources.
In Spain, innovation in marine renewables is equally impressive. The Magallanes Project in Galicia uses a floating platform equipped with hydro turbines to capture tidal currents and convert them into electricity. Nearby in Gipuzkoa, a facility harnesses wave energy—distinct from tidal energy—by converting the surface motion of waves into power. This differentiation underscores the variety within marine energy technologies, from wave energy to floating photovoltaic systems and offshore wind power. While wave energy relies on surface wave motion, tidal energy capitalises on the gravitational pull of the sun and moon, driving the rhythmic movement of vast water masses.
Tidal energy plants operate by transforming the kinetic and potential energy of tidal flows into electricity. These facilities are typically located in bays or estuaries with significant tidal ranges, requiring a minimum five-metre difference between high and low tides. Equipped with turbines and alternators, these plants capture the immense power of circulating water, converting it into a sustainable energy source.
What makes tidal energy particularly attractive is its numerous advantages. Like other renewable sources, it is clean, virtually inexhaustible, and environmentally friendly, emitting no harmful gases. Tidal facilities are also incredibly durable; the Rance estuary plant, for instance, has been operational for over 50 years and remains highly efficient. Additionally, unlike wind or solar energy, tidal energy offers unmatched predictability, making it easier to estimate output and ensure a consistent power supply.
Tidal energy stands out as a beacon of innovation in the renewable energy sector, harnessing the ocean’s power with precision and sustainability. With continued advancements, this technology is poised to play a pivotal role in the global transition to clean 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.
