Marine Energy Potential in Northern Ireland

Surrounded by the Irish Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, Northern Ireland has a recognised potential for the production of marine tidal energy. The conclusions from a substantial number of studies highlight that Northern Ireland has a considerable tidal current resource, mostly located on several sites along the north east coast, that have the potential to produce many hundreds of megawatts of energy for the supply of bulk electricity to the region.

By harnessing energy resulting from tidal currents, water passing across the marine turbine’s blades can turn a rotor making electricity for onward transmission to shore and the Northern Ireland grid.