Potential environmental impact of tidal energy extraction in the Pentland Firth at large spatial scales: results of a biogeochemical model
A model study was carried out of the potential large-scale (> 100 km) effects of marine renewable tidal energy generation in the Pentland Firth, using the 3-D hydrodynamics–biogeochemistry model GETM-ERSEM-BFM. A realistic 800 MW scenario and a high-impact scenario with massive expansion of t...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Copernicus Publications
2016-05-01
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| Series: | Biogeosciences |
| Online Access: | http://www.biogeosciences.net/13/2593/2016/bg-13-2593-2016.pdf |
| _version_ | 1828843699466928128 |
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| author | J. van der Molen P. Ruardij N. Greenwood |
| author_facet | J. van der Molen P. Ruardij N. Greenwood |
| author_sort | J. van der Molen |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | A model study was carried out of the potential large-scale
(> 100 km) effects of marine renewable tidal energy generation
in the Pentland Firth, using the 3-D hydrodynamics–biogeochemistry model
GETM-ERSEM-BFM. A realistic 800 MW scenario and a high-impact scenario with
massive expansion of tidal energy extraction to 8 GW scenario were
considered. The realistic 800 MW scenario suggested minor effects on the
tides, and undetectable effects on the biogeochemistry. The massive-expansion
8 GW scenario suggested effects would be observed over hundreds of
kilometres away with changes of up to 10 % in tidal and ecosystem
variables, in particular in a broad area in the vicinity of the Wash. There,
waters became less turbid, and primary production increased with associated
increases in faunal ecosystem variables. Moreover, a one-off increase in
carbon storage in the sea bed was detected. Although these first results
suggest positive environmental effects, further investigation is recommended
of (i) the residual circulation in the vicinity of the Pentland Firth and
effects on larval dispersal using a higher-resolution model and (ii) ecosystem
effects with (future) state-of-the-art models if energy extraction
substantially beyond 1 GW is planned. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-12T20:51:23Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-cb69e78a725c464bb5add797699d3583 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1726-4170 1726-4189 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-12T20:51:23Z |
| publishDate | 2016-05-01 |
| publisher | Copernicus Publications |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Biogeosciences |
| spelling | doaj.art-cb69e78a725c464bb5add797699d35832022-12-22T00:12:25ZengCopernicus PublicationsBiogeosciences1726-41701726-41892016-05-011382593260910.5194/bg-13-2593-2016Potential environmental impact of tidal energy extraction in the Pentland Firth at large spatial scales: results of a biogeochemical modelJ. van der Molen0P. Ruardij1N. Greenwood2The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, UKRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), Den Burg, Texel, the NetherlandsThe Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, UKA model study was carried out of the potential large-scale (> 100 km) effects of marine renewable tidal energy generation in the Pentland Firth, using the 3-D hydrodynamics–biogeochemistry model GETM-ERSEM-BFM. A realistic 800 MW scenario and a high-impact scenario with massive expansion of tidal energy extraction to 8 GW scenario were considered. The realistic 800 MW scenario suggested minor effects on the tides, and undetectable effects on the biogeochemistry. The massive-expansion 8 GW scenario suggested effects would be observed over hundreds of kilometres away with changes of up to 10 % in tidal and ecosystem variables, in particular in a broad area in the vicinity of the Wash. There, waters became less turbid, and primary production increased with associated increases in faunal ecosystem variables. Moreover, a one-off increase in carbon storage in the sea bed was detected. Although these first results suggest positive environmental effects, further investigation is recommended of (i) the residual circulation in the vicinity of the Pentland Firth and effects on larval dispersal using a higher-resolution model and (ii) ecosystem effects with (future) state-of-the-art models if energy extraction substantially beyond 1 GW is planned.http://www.biogeosciences.net/13/2593/2016/bg-13-2593-2016.pdf |
| spellingShingle | J. van der Molen P. Ruardij N. Greenwood Potential environmental impact of tidal energy extraction in the Pentland Firth at large spatial scales: results of a biogeochemical model Biogeosciences |
| title | Potential environmental impact of tidal energy extraction in the Pentland Firth at large spatial scales: results of a biogeochemical model |
| title_full | Potential environmental impact of tidal energy extraction in the Pentland Firth at large spatial scales: results of a biogeochemical model |
| title_fullStr | Potential environmental impact of tidal energy extraction in the Pentland Firth at large spatial scales: results of a biogeochemical model |
| title_full_unstemmed | Potential environmental impact of tidal energy extraction in the Pentland Firth at large spatial scales: results of a biogeochemical model |
| title_short | Potential environmental impact of tidal energy extraction in the Pentland Firth at large spatial scales: results of a biogeochemical model |
| title_sort | potential environmental impact of tidal energy extraction in the pentland firth at large spatial scales results of a biogeochemical model |
| url | http://www.biogeosciences.net/13/2593/2016/bg-13-2593-2016.pdf |
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