Tidal power plants produce electricity using the potential (renewable) energy from the difference in height (or head) between low and high tides. The energy performance of a tidal power system is influenced by a number of factors such as the power capacity and the capacity factor. Refer to the Tidal Power System Schematic for more information. Tidal streams also produce kinetic (renewable) energy from the ebb and surge of the tides as water passes through ocean current turbines.

Software & Data
The RETScreen Software Tidal Power Model can be used worldwide to evaluate the energy production and savings, costs, emission reductions, financial viability and risk for central-grid, isolated-grid and off-grid tidal power projects, ranging in size from large scale power plants using dams, barrages and lagoons, to small scale tidal current projects using ocean current turbines. The software (available in multiple languages) also includes product, project and climate databases, and a detailed user manual.

Click here to download RETScreen 4 (48 MB).

Case studies / Templates
Power - Tidal power - 240,000 kW