Energy potential and system impact of dynamic tidal power in the North Sea

Tidal range energy can be harnessed by means of tidal barrages and tidal lagoons. An alternative to these techniques is the concept of ‘Dynamic Tidal Power (DTP)’, where a large dam influences the tidal propagation in a natural basin. When a DTP dam is designed such that the water levels on both sides are out of phase, electricity can be generated through turbines in the dam driven by the head difference. We assessed the power-generating potential of a DTP dam in the North Sea using two dynamically coupled hydraulic models to include the tidal flow propagation in the North Sea and detailed turbine operating information. Our analysis indicates that a 53 km-long dam equipped with more than thousand turbines could potentially supply 4.6% of the total Dutch electricity demand at an estimated cost of € 0.16/kWh (prices 2023). Given the size of such a structure, we examined the implications for environmental processes and socio-economic functions along the Dutch coast. These impacts will likely play a pivotal role in discussions regarding the feasibility of this type of tidal dam.