Tidal stream resource assessment with TELEMAC 2D of the Churchill Barriers, Scotland

Abstract

In order to tackle climate change challenges, various renewable energy sources are required to provide sufficient energy to phase out fossil fuel. Tidal energy is harnessing the power from tides to provide clean renewable energy, mainly in the form of electricity. The UK is the world leader in this newly emerging industry with the potential for tidal energy to provide 20% of the country’s electricity needs. This paper presents a systematic approach to tidal energy resource assessment of the Churchill Barriers, the Orkney Islands, Scotland. The TELEMAC-2D model is employed in the study; the model set-up, calibration and validation are discussed herein. In the future, the approach will be used in the investigation of the potential for extracting tidal energy at the Churchill Barriers No.1 and No.2.