Assessment of a tidal lagoon test-bed using aerial drone photogrammetry

There is a large potential for tidal range energy to contribute to renewable electricity generation globally, and particularly along the coasts of the UK and Ireland. However, the tidal range industry is in its infancy, with limited opportunities for research and in-situ testing. A recent UK government commissioned report suggested that a focus should be on smaller-scale pilot schemes, allowing for environmental monitoring and design optimisation before larger-scale sites are considered. Here, a candidate site for a tidal lagoon located in Northern Ireland is assessed for its feasibility as a large-scale tidal range test bed for tidal range technologies. The site could provide a modular ‘drop-in’ berth for testing novel technology in realistic flow conditions. This feasibility study provides some critical baseline information required to develop the site. Our data collection campaign combines a threemonths seabed frame deployment collecting tidal range and velocity information. The tidal elevation data is used to generate tidal constituents, allowing annual tide prediction. Applying Prandle’s parametric approach, we provide a first estimate of the potential annual energy capture from the tidal lagoon (Emax). Finally, the assessment will be augmented with a three-dimensional map of the basin using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle surveys to account for its volume, improving estimates of Emax.