Tidal resource and interactions between multiple channels in the Goto Islands, Japan

The Goto Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, contain three parallel channels that are suitable for tidal energy development and are the planned location for a tidal energy test centre. Energy extraction is added to a 3D numerical hydrodynamic model of the region, using a sub-grid momentum sink approach, to predict the effects of tidal development.

The available resource with first-generation turbines is estimated at 50–107 MW peak output. Spreading turbine thrust across the whole cross-section to prevent bypass flow results in a 64% increase in peak power in one channel, highlighting the importance of 3D over 2D modelling.

The energy available for extraction in each strait appears to be independent of the level of extraction in other straits. This contrasts with theoretical and numerical studies of other multi-channel systems. The weak interactions found in this study can be traced to the hydraulic effects of energy extraction not extending to neighbouring channels due to their geometry.