Tide Mill - Modern Examples

Modern Examples

Newer types of tidal power often propose a dam across a large river estuary. Although it represents a source of renewable energy, each proposal tends to come under local opposition because of its likely impact on coastal habitats. One proposal, which came to fruition in 1966, is the Rance barrage which generates 250MW. Unlike historical tide mills which could only operate on an ebb tide, the Rance barrage can generate electricity on both flows of the tide or it can be used for pumped storage depending on demand. A less intrusive design is for a 1MW free standing turbine, constructed in 2007 at Strangford Lough Narrows - also close to an old tide mill.