tidal energy

tidal energy as a term is often used to refer to all forms of energy from large bodies of water. Sometimes it's a misnomer. Wave energy is a sister technology to tidal power and this is often lumped into discussions under the banner tidal energy.

As with most forms of renewable, green energy, there are various different streams of research and product development in the tidal and wave energy field.

tidal energy
The two main technologies are Tidal Stream and tidal lagoon. Tidal stream involves tapping the energy of a running tidal current. Tidal Lagoon, on the other hand is more akin to hydro-electric generation by usinmg water under pressure to generate power. The pressure in Tidal Lagoon comes from gravity, water being trapped in dam-like holding areas and released in a controlled manner via a determined route. This dam element, or indeed lagoon is naturally filled by tidal flow, hence the term, tidal lagoon.

Wave Energy
Wave energy is akin to tidal stream in that it envolves tapping the kinetic energy contained in the movement of sea or water-body waves. Aparatus are generally placed on or near the surface of the water and oscillations of them excites an electric current in their generating equipment.

Of the three technologies above, tidal lagoon is the furthest towards becoming a commercially exploitable green energy solution. While tidal stream and wave are reliably producing power, it's at a significantly greater cost just now. However, work goes on and part of the aim of this section of the site is to keep track of the latest news and developments in all areas of water power - whether wave, tidal or whatever.

Additionally, this section aims to provide a comprehensive range or informative features and articles on all aspects of water power. Articles are being researched and added all the time, so please bookmark us and check back often. Further, you can find a range of further reading presented down the right hand side of the feature pages, as well as finding links to relevant suppliers and sites in the links section top left of each article narrative.

tidal energy articles

tidal energy in the news

A&P in marine energy bid - Business Cornwall Magazine
9 Mar 2010 at 12:44pm
A&P in marine energy bidBusiness Cornwall MagazineA&P Group was one of about 40 companies active in the UK wave and tidal stream energy sector, taking part in an accompanying exhibition. ...

Support surge across Europe for a North Sea supergrid - Aberdeen Press and Journal
9 Mar 2010 at 8:25am
Support surge across Europe for a North Sea supergridAberdeen Press and JournalThe supergrid would use high-voltage DC cables to exchange power using wind, wave and tidal resources in Scotland and other coastal states. ...and more »

Despite some 'green shoots,' cleantech VCs see trouble ahead - Greenbang (blog)
9 Mar 2010 at 6:12pm
Greenbang (blog)Despite some 'green shoots,' cleantech VCs see trouble aheadGreenbang (blog)The majority of investors fear that early stage sectors, particularly capital-intensive ones such as wave and tidal power, energy storage and ...

Energy assessments could pave way for new green civil engineering jobs - news.careerstructure.com
8 Mar 2010 at 6:23pm
UK Trade & InvestmentEnergy assessments could pave way for new green civil engineering jobsnews.careerstructure.com... for Energy and Climate Change, the strategic environmental assessment is intended to pave the way for the sustainable development of wave, tidal and ...SEA change for green energyUK Trade & InvestmentFuture of wave and tidalManufacturer.comMore investment into wave and tidal po...

Delegated Legislation Committee - Renewables Obligation (Amendment) Order 2010 - DeHavilland (press release) (subscription)
9 Mar 2010 at 9:14am
Delegated Legislation Committee - Renewables Obligation (Amendment) Order 2010DeHavilland (press release) (subscription)I was in the Mersey area last year to see the plans for wave and tidal energy in the estuary. Just last week the consultants who were engaged by the ...and more »

Green energy industry asks for Ł500m cash injection to meet targets - The Guardian
4 Mar 2010 at 8:11pm
The GuardianGreen energy industry asks for Ł500m cash injection to meet targetsThe GuardianThe remaining Ł150m would go to tidal and wave schemes. The budget submission was not just about money. It also raised a considerable number of concerns ...UK to test the water for wave and tidal energyEnergy Efficiency NewsPathway for development vital for marine energy ?revolution?New Energy FocusUK sea...