Ocean Impacts

Any tidal energy extraction has an impact on the tidal regime around it. Obviously the greater the amount of energy extracted the greater the impact. There are though other complexities which can be important, especially in high energy location such as the Pentland Firth or the Bristol Channel. Any tidal development will also have an impact on the local hydrodynamics and through this the biology, sediment transport and water quality.

Changes to tide across the European Shelf due to a Severn Barrage

Changes to overall tidal power distribution due to a large Bristol Channel barrage

CSB Consilium can provide information regarding the potential changes to the hydrodynamics near and far from any tidal energy development through their 2D modelling capability. This model includes the actual energy extraction of the project, together with others if required, and shows the changes in flow which this induces. Using this information predicted impacts on sediment transport, habitat and water quality can be inferred.

High tide level of the Mersey before a tidal scheme

High tide level with a Mersey Tidal scheme

If you would like more information or think that this model could be of use in your project then please contact CSB Consilium by email or phone.

Company Number: 9592955

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