Former DTI [currently DECC] estimated an available huge potential of 3000GW of tidal energy but, unfortunately, less than 3% is located in areas suitable for power generation. There are a lot of factors and inputs to be considered in the estimation of the tidal current potential as it is very site depending [seabed, bathymetrics, estuaries, etc.]
Note: There is a great paper from Stephen Salter: "Correcting the Under-estimate of the Tidal-Stream Resource of the Pentland Firth"
online interactive webGIS version of the UK Marine Renewable Energy Resources Atlas
Tide resource map
In 2001, a list with 42 sites around the UK suitable for tidal stream generation was launched and just the ten most promising tidal stream sites could offer a potential of 36 TWh/y, which means at least 34% of the UK's electricity demand.
Tidal power has the distinct advantage of being highly predictable compared with some other forms of renewable energy. The regularity of the tides, along with the huge energy potential, therefore helps to make tidal energy development an attractive resource option.
Image: Average Annual Tidal Power Crown ©2004
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