Both tidal streams and ocean currents are forms of kinetic energy that can be extracted using a horizontal axis turbine / generator solution such as Evopod.

Tidal streams are cyclical flows set up by the gravitational attraction of bodies in our solar system, particularly the moon and the sun. They vary in amplitude and direction roughly on a daily cycle and a monthly cycle but are very predictable and reliable in their occurrence.

The potential for generating electricity from tidal streams has been assessed in some detail by a number of independent studies. The most recent study commissioned by the Carbon Trust determined that the UK’s technically extractable tidal stream energy resource is approximately 18TWh/y, which is approximately 10% of the Global resource. More than 50% of the UK’s resource is in relatively deep waters (>40m) that are exposed to harsh wave conditions. Evopod is specifically developed to address this market and exploitation of just 20% of UK deepwater sites would deliver a potential market for 480 Evopods [E1500kW units].

Ocean currents are a convection system caused by thermal gradients in the oceans and the rotation of the earth. Unlike tides they are almost constant in their direction and their velocity fluctuates only by small amounts according to the seasons of the year.

The most promising is the Florida Current which, if just 3% of its energy was extracted would produce 8TWh/y of electricity.
The Agulhas current off the south east coast of South Africa has also been assessed as having exploitable potential and could generate 10 to 20TWh/y of electricity.

Deployment of Evopods to meet just 10% of the potential market from the Florida and Agulhas currents would equate to 430 Evopods [E500kW units].

Energy Production Costs