Tidal energy tech: New streams of sustainable energy

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• January 28, 2025

Insight summary

The movement of ocean tides can open fresh energy pathways for coastal communities while sparking job opportunities. Tidal systems promise consistent electricity and can benefit remote areas, though they prompt concerns over wildlife, expenses, and large-scale feasibility. However, researchers, businesses, and public officials are exploring solutions to address these issues, hoping to diversify power sources and foster new markets.

Tidal energy tech context

Orbital Marine’s tidal energy technology relies on consistent ocean currents, using a floating platform design that suspends underwater rotors capable of generating electricity. The company, founded in Scotland, has operated its 242-foot O2 turbine off the coast of Orkney since 2021, demonstrating the device’s ability to deliver predictable power. Meanwhile, Orcas Power and Light Cooperative (OPALCO) in Washington State received a USD $3 million grant from the US Department of Energy in 2024, highlighting a growing focus on tidal solutions for remote communities. Additional progress has been observed worldwide, including Euclaire Tidal’s plans to deploy an O2X device at the Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy (FORCE) in Canada’s Minas Passage. 

Multiple studies underscore both the promise and challenges of tidal systems, with data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) suggesting that harnessing 10 percent of the US’s tidal potential could eventually be feasible. The University of Washington’s Pacific Marine Energy Center has advised OPALCO on feasibility assessments, revealing expenses of USD $40 million per floating turbine and commercial-scale tidal costs of USD $130 to $280 per megawatt-hour. These figures contrast with wind power’s approximate USD $20 per megawatt-hour, illustrating why tidal power may need to overcome cost hurdles. However, researchers hope that scaling production will gradually reduce expenses, much like wind and solar have done in the past decade. 

Environmental considerations, particularly related to marine wildlife, remain a critical component of tidal energy development. For example, conservation groups have expressed concern about Southern Resident killer whales, whose feeding patterns could be affected by underwater noise from tidal turbines. The National Research Council's 2013 review cautioned that large-scale tidal installations might not be as ecologically benign as smaller projects. However, supporters of tidal systems argue that thorough assessments and regulatory processes can help safeguard marine life, similar to how offshore wind has been managed in the UK. 

Disruptive impact

People may see more stable electricity rates over time if tidal energy becomes widely adopted. Some communities develop local training centers to help people gain skills for building and maintaining turbines. Coastal residents could also see new careers in marine science, engineering, and environmental stewardship. In addition, turbines might spur eco-tourism, offering unique travel experiences focused on clean energy. However, concerns may arise among residents about changing coastal views or potential disruptions to recreational waterways.

Businesses can plan for expanded operations that cater to the needs of tidal energy infrastructure, such as advanced materials or sensor technology. Marine services companies may form strategic alliances to handle long-term maintenance at sea. Energy firms can explore subscription plans, allowing smaller businesses to lock in power at predictable rates. As a result, new consumer products may surface, including monitoring devices that track home energy usage linked to tidal power input. Commercial stakeholders can also collaborate with local research groups to address ocean currents, material durability, and digital data processing challenges.

Meanwhile, governments might establish pilot projects to test tidal systems in different coastal environments. They can consider subsidies or tax breaks that spark private-sector interest in tidal power ventures. Local agencies could set strict regulations that require turbines to meet noise guidelines or incorporate safeguards for marine species. Additionally, international partnerships may spread best practices, creating a shared knowledge base that accelerates deployments in multiple countries. In general, policymakers could view tidal projects as a way to expand regional economies, encourage technology transfers, and reduce long-term dependence on other fuel sources.

Implications of tidal energy tech

Wider implications of tidal energy tech may include: 

• Small coastal towns creating specialized insurance schemes for turbines, which shifts legal and financial responsibility in cases of damage.
• Local schools partnering with environmental groups, inspiring a younger generation to pursue ocean-related work for community development.
• Businesses adopting hybrid models that merge tidal energy services with conventional utility operations, streamlining power distribution.
• Marine data analytics spurring tech startups to offer real-time dashboards for coastal resource monitoring, attracting fresh investors.
• Fisheries adjusting routes and schedules to steer clear of turbine installations, changing supply chains and pricing for seafood markets.
• Trade unions introducing updated safety standards for turbine maintenance teams, expanding labor protections and maritime training.
• Voters pressing policymakers to allocate budgets for large-scale tidal sites, shaping campaign promises and energy directives.
• Investors designing long-term green bonds linked to tidal energy returns, providing steady growth for pension funds and local economies.
• Property developers building new coastal complexes that connect to tidal grids, boosting energy independence and property values.
• Urban planners factoring tidal power into shoreline resiliency strategies, safeguarding cities from storm surges while diversifying power sources.

Questions to consider

• How could local tourism evolve if more tidal systems appear along your coastline?
• Which choices might homeowners make when deciding to rely on tidal power for daily energy needs?