Wave and tidal energy
Wave and tidal energy generation can be derived from trapping water at high tide, for example by tidal barrages and lagoons, then releasing it to turn turbines and generate electricity. There are also devices that can harness the energy from fast-flowing streams and from waves.
In common with wind, the UK has some of the best wave and tidal resources in Europe. These have the potential to provide a considerable fraction of the UK renewable power market in future decades. Estimates show that between 15 and 20 per cent of current electricity demand could eventually be met by wave and tidal stream energy.
Wave and tidal energy developments, together with the infrastructure required to connect to the grid, such as transmission lines, sub-stations and access roads, have the potential to affect the marine and terrestrial environments. Different energy developments have different impacts, in terms of size, reversibility and location. For example, smaller scale wave and tidal stream technologies are likely to have less environmental impact.
These emerging technologies need further development and demonstration to assess and monitor their impacts on the natural environment. In turn, this will help us achieve their potential contribution to renewable energy generation.
