Tidal Power Plants - Experience in the UK

Tidal energy conversion has been under active consideration in the UK since 1979, when the first studies for the large Severn Barrage project were commissioned. Since that time, in parallel with continuing studies of the Severn Scheme, further tidal projects have been considered on the Mersey and Wyre estuaries, located in the northwest of England, and the Conwy and Loughor estuaries, in Wales. For most of these projects, construction using reinforced concrete caissons has been proposed and this, together with the requirements of major electrical and mechanical plant items, introduces complex structural design issues. By reference to the Mersey Barrage project, this article addresses some of these issues and indicates corresponding design solutions.