Tidal energy ‘fence’ planned for Bristol Channel

Oxford University’s department of engineering science has developed a new tidal technology for deployment in shallow, low velocity tidal waters along the UK coastline. The £143 million Bristol Channel tidal fence, constructed with carbon fibre technology, could be operational by 2020/21 pending approval. Kepler Energy holds an exclusive license for the technology and plans to seek funding for the project’s development and planning.

The first phase of the tidal fence construction will span 1km, with potential for future expansion up to 10km. Kepler believes Bristol is an ideal location for the first installation due to its tidal flow and proximity to other energy infrastructure. The project could offer cost-effective, utility-scale renewable energy, and Kepler aims to coexist with tidal lagoons, potentially being cheaper than offshore wind generation at £100-130 per MWh.

Kepler Energy’s chairman, Peter Dixon, highlights the potential for the project to boost the carbon fibre industry in the UK and create new skilled jobs in Wales and the West Country. The tidal technology operates similarly to a water mill and is expected to undergo stringent environmental impact assessments to ensure minimal risk to marine life. The technology is considered environmentally safe, with full-size rotors rotating at approximately 11 RPM.

This announcement follows the approval of the world’s first tidal lagoon energy project in Swansea Bay by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). The Swansea Bay project is projected to achieve full capacity by 2023, generating 320MW of energy. Additionally, plans for the Wyre tidal energy project in the UK’s northern region are gathering momentum and will require £200 million in additional funding.