Assessing impacts of tidal power lagoons of a consistent design. (15th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mackie, Lucas; Kramer, Stephan C.; Piggott, Matthew D.; Angeloudis, Athanasios
• Is Part Of: Ocean engineering. Volume 240(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11-15
• Subjects: Tidal range energy -- Marine energy -- Hydrodynamic impact -- Resource assessment -- Consistent design; Ocean engineering -- Periodicals; Ocean engineering; Periodicals; 620.4162
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2021.109879
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-8018

Abstract

Abstract: Tidal power lagoons have the potential to provide a reliable and long-term source of renewable power. The implementation of tidal lagoons will impact the tidal conditions and hydrodynamics of the surrounding coastal system. Impact assessments in the academic literature have generally investigated working proposals from industry of various shapes and sizes. As such, differences between the impacts arising from considered power plants in varying sites are in part influenced by the individual scheme characteristics, potentially masking the influence of site-specific factors. In this study, scheme design consistency is maintained, providing a basis to focus solely on the merits of the selected locations with regards to any associated impacts. The simulated tidal power lagoons are located in the Bristol Channel and Irish Sea, two distinct but tidally connected regions on the British coastline with contrasting marine environment characteristics. Results indicate that the more constrained geometry of the Bristol Channel contributes to higher individual and cumulative impacts than potential developments in the Irish Sea. This is in part facilitated by the higher degree of blockage introduced by tidal lagoon developments in the Bristol Channel. Furthermore, far-field impacts are found to be less pronounced compared to predictions reported in tidal barrage modelling studies. Highlights: Consistent tidal lagoon design highlights influence of marine environment on impacts. Impacts resulting from developments in Bristol Channel and Irish Sea combine linearly. Cumulative impacts in the Bristol Channel notable in whole region. Impacts of Irish Sea tidal lagoons more localised than in the Bristol Channel.