The cleanest form of energy in the world is about to make a significant leap thanks to a €20 million investment from the EU in the Seastar project. It is tidal energy. And this financing could recognize its crucial importance in achieving global sustainability goals, to those zero emissions by 2050 which perhaps (just maybe) will contain the damage to us and the planet.
Why is tidal energy the cleanest?
Tidal energy, generated by the tides, is superior to other renewable sources in terms of cleanliness and efficiency. For starters: Unlike the wind or the sun, tides are predictable and constant, offering a continuous source of energy. Even more: water, having a greater density than air, transmits more kinetic energy than wind.
These factors allow a single tidal turbine to generate more energy than a similarly sized wind turbine. Again: solar energy produces 48g of CO2 per kWh, wind and nuclear 12g per kWh, while tidal energy only 1.8g per kWh. Still doubts?
So why was it neglected?
Despite its advantages, tidal energy has long been overlooked. The reason is simple, and as old as time: costs. Subsea turbines must be built to withstand violent storms and salt corrosion, making them extremely expensive. And who is developing pilot projects he knows it well.
In the absence of a tidal turbine industry, each turbine must be custom-built, further increasing costs. Currently, tidal energy it costs around €300 per MWh, 10 times more than wind and solar, 5 times more than coal and gas, and three times more than nuclear.
However, things could change. Nova and the Seastar project are a turning point
Nova, a pioneer company in the sector, has built the world's first tidal energy array in Scotland (Shetland). That was in 2016. While initially small, this project demonstrated the feasibility of the technology to scale in 2018. As the array expands and the technologies are refined, the costs of tidal energy have been reduced by 40%.
It is the first turning point: the developments have attracted the attention of the EU, which has decided to finance Nova's Seastar project. From here a new game begins.
The Seastar project: economies of scale and cost reduction
Seastar aims to build a 4MW tidal energy array off Orkney, also in Scotland, using 16 of Nova's M500D turbines. This project is not only an impressive demonstration of the technology, but also aims to begin the mass production of tidal turbines.
Mass production could dramatically reduce costs, making tidal energy competitive with other energy sources. Costs are expected can go as low as $120 per kWh, cheaper than many nuclear power plants. At that point it will be a completely different story.
Tidal energy: it is not a global solution, but it can play its part.
Despite its immense potential, tidal energy cannot be considered a global solution for all energy needs. Why? You do it: estimates indicate that it could supply between 120 and 400 GW globally, while the global requirement is 18,000 GW.
However, for nations with abundant tidal resources such as the UK, Canada, France and New Zealand, tidal energy could cover a significant portion of their energy needs, helping them achieve net-zero emissions targets.
Either way, the EU-backed Seastar project represents a watershed moment for tidal energy. If successful, it could mark the beginning of an era in which this form of energy becomes a key component of the global energy mix, significantly contributing to the fight against climate change and paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future.
