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General Conclusions
How big a limitation on MCT numbers is imposed by channel blockage effects?
The channel model has shown that:
- There is a saturation point reached
- This point occurs at a reasonably high level of channel blockage
- This seems optimistic, but this is purely from a techical view point
- Therefore it seems that the main constraints will be financial and environmental
What does this say about the amount of installed capacity technically feasible around the UK coastline?
Technical and economical feasiblity are two independant issues:
- Technical limits could never be reached due to unfeasibility (i.e. full channel blockage)
- Economic factors such as cost, market prices, incentives ...etc will limit farm sizes and distribution
What environmental consequences may limit installed capacity?–
- Loss of habitat for flora and fauna
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- Changes to seabed morphology and current hydrology
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- Changes in the sedimentation and turbidity of water
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- Changes to the wave regime
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- Increased risk of collisions from marine vessels
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- Objections due to visual impact
How does this impact on future growth projections for the industry?
- There is no real technical restriction to the amount of energy that could be taken from tidal streams
- There is investment uncertainty due to this area being fairly high risk and without clear direction
- This does not provide confidence for investors
- Clear guidance is needed from UK and Scottish governments to lead this industry to a more commercial and profitable level.
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