Output characteristics of tidal current power stations during spring and neap cycles

With increasing targets being set for renewable-derived electricity generation, wind power is currently the preferred technology. It is widely accepted that due to the stochastic nature of wind, there is an upper limit to the capacity that can be accommodated within the electricity network before power quality is impeded. This paper demonstrates the potential of tidal energy as a predictable renewable technologies that can be developed for base load power generation and thus minimise the risk of compromising future power quality.