Tidal and Wave Energy Plants represent complex marine renewable energy systems requiring specialized equipment, extensive environmental considerations, and precise installation timing. Production rates vary significantly based on resource availability, technology selection, and site conditions. Development timelines typically span 3-7 years from initial planning to commissioning, with critical procurement paths for specialized components.
Long Lead Items Analysis
Component Lead Time Manufacturing Complexity Supply Chain Risk Critical Specifications Turbine System 18-24 months Extremely High Critical Site-specific design Generator Units 14-18 months High High Marine certification Foundation Systems 12-16 months High High Seabed conditions Power Take-off 16-20 months High Critical Performance specs Control Systems 12-14 months High Medium Marine grade Submarine Cables 14-18 months High High Marine rating Mooring Systems 10-14 months High Medium Environmental loads Grid Connection 16-20 months High Medium Interface requirements
International Project Examples
Project Name Country Capacity (MW) Technology Construction PeriodProduction Rate Key Features MeyGen Scotland 398 Tidal Stream 2015-2021 85% availability Multiple turbines Sihwa Lake South Korea 254 Tidal Barrage 2004-2011 90% availability World’s largest La Rance France 240 Tidal Barrage 1961-1966 95% availability Oldest operating Nova Innovation Scotland 0.3 Tidal Array 2016-2019 80% availability Commercial array Mutriku Spain 0.3 Wave Energy 2006-2011 75% availability Breakwater integration CETO 6 Australia 1.5 Wave Energy 2018-2021 70% availability Submerged system Orbital O2 Scotland 2 Floating Tidal 2019-2021 85% availability Floating platform Swansea Bay UK 320 Tidal Lagoon 2022-2026 Planned 90% Under development Wave Hub UK 48 Wave Test Site 2010-2014 Test facility Research facility Penghu Taiwan 0.5 Tidal Stream 2020-2022 75% availability Tropical conditions Bay of Fundy Canada 9 Tidal Stream 2018-2021 82% availability High tidal range Raz Blanchard France 14 Tidal Stream 2021-2024 Planned 85% Array project Westwave Ireland 5 Wave Energy 2019-2022 70% availability Test facility Nagasaki Japan 2 Tidal Stream 2019-2021 80% availability Island location Cook Inlet USA 5 Tidal Stream 2022-2025 Planned 80% Arctic conditions
Critical Path Analysis
Major Risk Categories
Risk Category Probability Impact Mitigation Strategies Weather Windows High Critical Detailed planning Marine Operations High Critical Vessel availability Environmental Permits High High Early engagement Equipment Delivery Medium High Buffer scheduling Grid Connection Medium High Early coordination Seabed Conditions High Critical Detailed surveys Installation Delays High High Weather contingency
Procurement Strategy
Critical Equipment
Equipment Type Procurement Lead Time Key Considerations Supply Chain Risk Turbines 18-24 months Custom design Limited suppliers Generators 14-18 months Marine certification Medium availability Foundations 12-16 months Site-specific Fabrication capacity Cables 14-18 months Testing requirements Limited suppliers Control Systems 12-14 months Integration needs Medium availability Installation Vessels 12-18 months Availability High demand
Country-Specific Requirements
United Kingdom
Phase Duration Requirements Authorities Scoping 6-12 months EIA scoping Marine Scotland Consenting 12-24 months Marine license MMO/Marine Scotland Grid Connection 18-24 months Connection agreement National Grid Installation 6-12 months Marine operations MCA/Trinity House
France
Phase Duration Requirements Authorities Environmental Study 12-18 months Impact assessment Ministry of Environment Maritime Consent 12-24 months Maritime authorization Maritime Prefecture Grid Connection 18-24 months Connection agreement RTE Installation Permit 6-12 months Construction permitRegional Authority
Canada
Phase Duration Requirements Authorities Environmental Assessment 12-24 months Federal/Provincial EA CEAA/Provincial Marine Permit 12-18 months Marine license DFO Grid Connection 18-24 months Connection agreement Provincial Utility Installation 6-12 months Marine operations Transport Canada
Production Rate Factors
Technical Factors
Resource Characteristics
Tidal range/current speed
Wave height/period
Site conditions
System Design
Technology type
Rated capacity
Operating parameters
Environmental Conditions
Weather windows
Marine conditions
Seasonal variations
Element Duration Dependencies Critical Considerations Onshore Infrastructure 6-12 months Permits Access requirements Foundation Installation 3-6 months Weather windows Marine conditions Device Installation 3-6 months Foundation completion Vessel availability Cable Installation 2-4 months Route preparation Weather conditions Grid Connection 3-6 months Cable installation Testing requirements Commissioning 2-4 months System completion Performance validation
Installation Vessels
Vessel Type Lead Time Availability Cost Impact Heavy Lift 12-18 months Limited High Cable Lay 12-16 months Limited High Support Vessels 6-12 months Medium Medium Survey Vessels 3-6 months Good Low Crew Transfer 3-6 months Good Low
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