The impact of energy extraction on tidal flow development

Synopsis Application of 2-d and 3-d numerical tidal models in the marine renewable energy field has typically been to identify appropriate sites for marine energy extraction and quantify the potential energy available for extraction. Implicit in such an analysis is the assumption that local flow conditions will not be significantly altered by the energy extraction process. Considering the complex hydrodynamic conditions associated with the majority of sites identified as suitable for economic extraction of tidal energy, the general validity of this assumption is questionable. It is therefore necessary to develop modelling techniques which take account of the dynamic ‘feedback’ of extracting energy from the system. This will enable a more rigorous assessment of suitable sites for development and aid in determining the localised environmental impact of exploitation.