Preliminary assessment of a tidal test site on the Minho estuary

A characterization of tidal parameters at estuaries and the potential of these to be used for tidal energy extraction is performed. The tidal parameters analysed are crossed with estuaries around the world to obtain a selection of potentially feasible locations. A case study is addressed regarding the preliminary evaluation of location and overall characteristics of a tidal test centre and tidal farm in the Minho River estuary at the border between Spain and Portugal. Technical and environmental requirements are analysed to evaluate the potential of the location. Infrastructure characteristics, electrical connections and other equipment specification are determined considering the potential capacity available in the estuary; alternative configurations are studied and compared. Based on the study, the maximum capacity of the tidal technology centre is taken into account to produce an initial estimate of costs to deploy a device. The feasibility study shows that the economic evaluation of the investment is favourable, and the development of this tidal test site is feasible and economically viable. Even, a private organism could develop this project without any type of direct public investment. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.