Tidal resource modelling of Hestfjord in the Faroe Islands

Abstract

This paper presents results from the first pre-feasibility resource assessment of Hestfjord, a 3 km wide strait between the islands of Hestur and Streymoy in the Faroe Islands. Ambient flow results are presented from a TELEMAC-2D hydrodynamic model to characterise the spatial and temporal variability in the resource across the site. The modelling is calibrated and validated against acoustic doppler current profiler data, showing agreement between modelled and measured current speeds to within 5%. Results show that the currents exceed 3 m/s across a large region to the southern end of the channel during the dominant ebb tide. Flood tides are slightly less energetic, with peak velocities reaching 2.8 m/s over a narrow section along the channels western flank. Results presented here demonstrate that Hestfjord exhibits a sufficiently energetic resource to warrant further study.