The resource

A predictable and unexploited energy source


The resource utilised mainly comes from tidal currents. In certain regions of the world, these currents present sufficient flow speeds at the seabed to be exploited (1.5 to 2 m/s).

The movements of water masses generated by the tide are regulated by astronomical phenomena. These phenomena are cyclic. They fluctuate on a daily basis throughout the year, but their range and times are totally predictable (ephemerides, tidal coefficients).

The Channel and the North European coast, the North Pacific shoreline, the Philippes, Indonesia, north Brazil and Patagonia are areas with a large tidal range and therefore have a high “hydrokinetic” potential. This energy is not diffuse but rather very localised on a few sites, very near the coast.

France boasts major emblematic tidal sites on the Atlantic coast and along the Channel. In Europe, the United Kingdom has the greatest potential with over 10 GW of power to exploit, while France comes second with 3 to 5 GW.

The exploitable tidal power potential worldwide is estimated by some experts at around 100 GW of electric power.

 

 

 

 

The cyclic nature of tides affects turbine exploitation during slack water (lack of current). The tidal range is defined by a tidal coefficient which varies between 20 and 120. The speed of tidal streams on a given site is directly proportional to the tidal coefficient. We can observe empirically that only coefficients from 50 to 120 can be utilised.

NEWS

  • SABELLA is to take part in ICOE 2010 in Bilbao (Spain) in October 2010.
  • "Sabella D03" is temporarily on show at the ADEME Innovation Forum at the Cité des Sciences, Vilette - Paris on 23 June 2010.
  • SABELLA ENERGIE INC. was created in January 2010 in Canada to implement the development of tidal turbine technologies on the American continents.
  • SABELLA SAS responded to the AMI tender launched by ADEME to construct its demonstrator "D10". Response due in June 2010.

REFERENCES

  • SABELLA SAS received the award “Durable – ACTINE STRATEGIES” at INNOVACT 2009 in Reims.
140 bd. de Creac'h Gwenn - 29000 Quimper