The UK has significant potential to develop tidal power as part of its renewable energy mix, but the sector remains at an early stage. Its appeal lies in the predictability of tides, which gives the technology a different operating profile from wind and solar generation.
There are two main forms of tidal power: tidal stream and tidal range.
Tidal stream projects use underwater turbines placed in areas with strong tidal currents. As the tide moves, the flow of water turns the turbines and generates electricity. The technology is relatively straightforward in principle, but operating equipment underwater creates engineering, installation and maintenance challenges that can affect project costs and deployment speed.
The commercial outlook for tidal stream power will depend on whether developers can reduce those costs and prove that projects can operate reliably at scale. Improvements in turbine design, offshore installation and maintenance could make future projects more competitive and support broader deployment around the UK coastline.
Tidal range projects work differently. They generate electricity by capturing the difference in water levels between high and low tide. Barrages and tidal lagoons can be used to control the flow of water through turbines.
MeyGen in Scotland shows the scale of the opportunity. The project is described as the world’s largest tidal stream development, with an installed capacity of 398 MW. Its size makes it an important reference point for the sector, demonstrating how tidal stream technology can move beyond small-scale testing towards larger commercial projects. Progress at MeyGen is therefore relevant to the wider UK market, particularly as developers work to prove that tidal power can be deployed reliably and at sufficient scale to support future investment.
Ampeak Energy Limited (LON:AMP) a developer, owner and operator of sustainable energy projects. Transitioning to become a major Independent Power Producer (IPP) with a project development arm specialising in Battery Storage and Tidal Stream generation.
