Tidal Power South West of Islay from Natural Power
Renewable Energy consultants Natural Power have published tidal energy resource models for the west coast of Scotland including the area to the south-west of the Rhinns of Islay.
This area was highlighted in the Crown Estate’s Further Scottish Leasing Round and the map demonstrates why this area is recognised for its enormous energy potential.
Click on the image for the full map.
Not sure if I’m reading/understanding this correctly, so I thought I ask:
How should I read this? Does this mean there is a multiple of potential of what’s available in the Sound of Islay waiting to be explored off Portnahaven? Or is the top speed (as shown in red) of limited relevance, e.g if it only occurs for a short time? Are the green bits further north more relevant as the tide may be runs steadier?
Armin,
This chart does show maximum velocities rather than the rmc (root mean cubed) averages that would give a better indication of overall energy yield. (the energy output is dependent on the cube of the velocity)
But apart from that technicality, the red shows the areas of highest potential and it is thought that there could be between 400MW and 1GW of exploitable tidal energy in the area. In that context, the 10MW Sound of Islay Tidal Project is a demonstrator to show that the technology and installation procedures are commercially viable.
Hope this helps,
Andy
Thanks Andy, this really helps, understand much better now!