Harnessing tidal energy in the Westfjords

This thesis presents for the first time a serious and original attempt to provide direction for harnessing tidal power in the western fjords of Iceland. It focuses on the barrage method as the most likely technology to meet this goal. The feasibility of utilizing tidal energy as a renewable energy source in this area is approached from a scientific as well as a practical viewpoint. Evaluating measurements of tidal currents, Fourier analysis of water heights time series, estimations of energy potential in selected locations in the Westfjords, evidence points toward the tidal barrage as the most promising approach to electrical generation in designated fjords. Preliminary findings indicate favorable conditions in a few specific areas. In Gilsfjörður, a tidal barrage is already in place, making the addition of a power plant both cost-effective and practical. In another, a new road crossing is planned over three fjords, Þorskafjörður, Djúpifjörður and Gufufjörður. Combining road construction in the common mouth of those fjords, with tidal power plant development, addresses a range of local and regional issues, and would result in a maximum potential of about 70 MW of renewable periodic energy, producing a total of 144 GWh per year