Abstract
Tidal current technologies have the potential to provide highly predictable energy, since tides are driven by lunar cycles. However, before implementing such technologies on a large scale, their environmental performance should be assessed. In this study, a prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed on a 12 MW tidal energy converter array of Minesto Deep Green 500 (DG500) prototypes, closely following the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) standards, but including scenarios to cover various design possibilities. The global warming potential (GWP) of the prototype array was in the range of 18.4–26.3 gCO2-eq/kWhe. This is comparable with other renewable energy systems, such as wind power. Material production processes have the largest impact, but are largely offset by recycling at the end of life. Operation and maintenance processes, including the production of replacement parts, also provide major contributions to environmental impacts. Comparisons with other technologies are limited by the lack of a standardized way of performing LCA on offshore power generation technologies.
Highlights
The energy sector is the largest contributor to the global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions [1].This has led to the development of renewable energy resources with lower carbon footprints
In terms of global warming potential (GWP), the results show that the impact of tidal power (15 to 37 gCO2 -eq/kWhe) is in line with that of wind power (8 to 25.4 gCO2 -eq/kWhe), and slightly better than concentrated solar power
This study assessed the environmental impact of tidal power generation by performing a prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) of an emerging tidal current technology (Deep Green) based on the Holyhead
Summary
The energy sector is the largest contributor to the global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions [1]. This has led to the development of renewable energy resources with lower carbon footprints. For example, became the second largest power generation source in Europe, just after gas, with an installed capacity of 169 GW in 2017 [2]. On the other hand, are predicted [5], since they are generated by the rise and fall of the sea level due to gravitational forces of the moon, sun, and earth. An important factor limiting the application of tidal streams is their relatively slow speed, and the problem associated with constructing turbines with a sufficiently low cut-in speed for starting electricity generation.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
