A Co-Benefits Analytical Framework: Overlap in Protection for People and Ecosystems from Power-Generating Tidal Range Infrastructure

ABSTRACT: Tidal range power plants (TPPs) are reliable electricity generators with the la Rance TPP in France serving as an example of long-term (60+ years) s uccess. Despite their potential for energy delivery, the challenges surrounding TPP development remain substantial. High initial investment and concerns about environmental impacts on marine ecosystems have made it difficult to progress major proposals. With rising sea levels and more frequent, intense storm surges expected to lead to greater inundation of key coastal zones, co-benefits to ecosystems and infrastructure that TPPs may offer are being reconsidered. Using the UK as a case study, we map appropriate tidal resource (>5 m tidal range), 2050 1:25 flood risk areas (1 m rise), coastal zones with conservation specification and areas of high human density. Overlap in these factors reveals specific locations in which further research would usefully estimate potential costs and benefits, socially, ecologically and financially. Viewed together, reduced flood risk to people and infrastructure, ecosystem conservation opportunity and stable energy generation may highlight the future opportunity of TPPs.