The FLOMax (Flexible Lagoon Operation for Maximal Value) project aims to provide an updated view of the value of tidal range energy by considering flexible operation to meet demand in a changing future energy system.
Tidal Lagoon Challenge
In March 2024, the Welsh Government launched the Tidal Lagoon Challenge to support innovative research to overcome barriers to tidal lagoon development and assess their potential benefits.
The initiative reflects Wales’ commitment to harnessing its significant tidal energy resources to support the drive to net zero.
Prior research states that Wales has the potential to generate substantial amounts of clean electricity from tidal range. However, new research is required to present the tidal range opportunity in novel and compelling ways, and to explore new avenues of support from UK Government that satisfy Treasury and the Industry that must invest in, build, and operate these tidal range projects.
Alongside Cardiff University, Intertek and the Western Gateway, we are delivering the FLOMax project in the Engineering and Technical Category.
FLOMax Project Overview
This research aims to model the interplay between the wholesale energy market and more dynamic markets. Our novel approach applies these models to tidal lagoon scheduling for the first time, offering original insights into the value of tidal lagoons as strategic infrastructure for enhancing price and grid stability.
Alongside this, we will review the innovation and supply chain opportunity for the sector, focusing on the use of concrete as the main material for large structural components and the potential value of establishing flexible supply chains, with the capability to serve several major industries.
Alongside Cardiff University, Intertek and the Western Gateway, we are delivering a project in the Engineering and Technical Category.
Associated Projects
Two other projects are being delivered alongside the FLOMax project under different categories of the Tidal Lagoon Challenge:
- Environment Category: Swansea University, in collaboration with Fish Guidance Systems Ltd, Natural England, Batri Ltd, and DST Innovations Ltd, is conducting a project to provide fish migration data and develop an acoustic fish deterrence system for twaite shad. This involves tagging and monitoring fish to test the effectiveness of acoustic deterrence as a mitigation measure for tidal range deployment.
- Socio-Economic and Financial Category: Cardiff University, in partnership with the Western Gateway and the British Hydropower Association Ltd, is exploring how different ownership and financing models for tidal lagoons could positively impact the Welsh economy.
Together, these projects aim to address current barriers to tidal range energy deployment and inform future policy updates to enable the development of a new source of predictable, renewable energy for the UK
Reports
