Tidal stream power can help drive to net zero

Scientists across the UK said ocean tidal streams can be exploited to provide a predictable and reliable means of energy, adding that this vision requires government funding to accelerate innovation and drive down costs.

“This is an extensive review on the state-of-the-art and opportunities for tidal stream energy,” said Professor Philipp Thies of Exeter University. “There are still engineering challenges ahead, but this source of low carbon energy is technically feasible and an important element of future net zero energy generation.”

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Previous access to government funding has helped install 18MW of tidal stream capacity, which is around 500 times less than the UK’s current offshore wind capacity. According to the researchers, this relatively modest funding support to date has put the tidal stream sector on a steep cost reduction trajectory which has slowed since access to funding has been removed. Extending such support is essential to enable it to become cost-competitive with gas turbines, biomass, and nuclear.