An Analysis of the German tidal energy resource

Abstract

A transformation of the energy sector towards a low-emission power generation is needed to mitigate global warming and fight the current climate crisis. In recent years, tidal energy technology has matured and shows potential to balance Europe’s future power grid. While reviews of the tidal energy resource exist for a number of European countries, the potential of tidal energy along the German North Sea coast is overlooked so far. This review closes this gap and provides a first analysis of the German tidal energy resource. Germany’s North Sea coast is characterised by comparatively low current velocities and shallow waters. Using available data from the EasyGSH-DB North Sea Model, Germany’s practical tidal energy resource is estimated at 66.6 GWHy−1, under strong restrictions, excluding the most energetic sites in the estuaries of Elbe, Weser, and Ems. Based on the results, future work for a more detailed analysis is suggested.