Research update - with added flood protection for free?

Since 2021 we have been working with Lancaster University to develop the theory and practice of tidal range generation.  Six published research papers help to improve knowledge and understanding of the potential for tidal range.  The papers cover the following topics:-

- A comparison between NWTE coastal lagoon and Morecambe Bay estuarine barrage, [1]

- A CAPEX cost model for pre-feasibility study costing and optimization, [2, 3].

- Tidal range with sea level rise over the next 120 years, [4].

- A proposal for longitudinal precast barrage units, [5].

- A comparison of 10 clean energy generation technologies using a sustainable cost of energy (SCOE) method, [6]. This compares costs of continuous generation over a period of 120-years (which compares a large tidal range scheme vs the two consecutive nuclear schemes, four gas power stations or five wind farms).  The five lowest cost technologies are all around £100/MWh, which is close to the current wholesale price of £90/MWh.

Flood protection for free.

A recent PhD thesis includes an approximation of the SCOE with an approximate estimate of the benefit of flood protection, [7]. This shows that the cost of generation is around zero where the annual benefit of flood protection is included. Further work is required to estimate a site-specific annual benefit for NWTE.

References

1.           Vandercruyssen, D., et al. Tidal range electricity generation: A comparison between estuarine barrages and coastal lagoons. Heliyon, Vol 8, Issue 11,Nov 2022; Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11381.

2.           Vandercruyssen, D., G.A. Aggidis, and D.C. Howard. A Model of the Costs for Tidal Range Power Generation Schemes. ICE - Energy, Vol 176 Issue 4, October, 2023, pp. 177-186 2022; Available from: https://doi.org/10.1680/jener.22.00058.

3.           Vandercruyssen, D., et al. Tidal range generation: combining the Lancaster zero-dimension generation and cost models,. ICE - Energy 2023; Available from: https://doi.org/10.1680/jener.22.00077.

4.           Vandercruyssen, D., et al. Tidal Range Electricity Generation into the 22nd Century. ICE - Energy 2023; Available from: https://doi.org/10.1680/jener.23.00031.

5.           Vandercruyssen, D., et al., Tidal range barrage design and construction. Applied Sciences, 2024. 14(11): p. 4592, https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114592.

6.           DiLellio, J., et al., Economic Methods for the Selection of Renewable Energy Sources. Sustainability,, 2025: p. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17114857.

7.           Vandercruyssen D. Tidal Range Generation and Economics. School of Engineering, Lancaster University, UK 2026  [cited PhD Thesis; 195]. Available from: https://research.lancaster-university.uk/files/434487085/2026VandercruyssenPhD.pdf