Tidal current power effects on nearby sandbanks: a case study in the Race of Alderney

A validated numerical model of tidal flows and sediment transport around the Alderney South Banks was used to investigate the potential effects of large (300 MW) tidal turbine arrays at different locations in Alderney territorial waters. Two methods were used, firstly looking at hydrodynamic changes only and secondly modelling sediment transport over a non-erodible bed. The baseline hydrodynamic model was validated relative to ADCP velocity data collected in the immediate vicinity of the sandbank. Real-world sand transport rates were inferred from sand-wave migrations and agree favourably with sediment transport residuals calculated from model outputs. Outputs from the sediment model reproduced realistic morphological behaviours over the bank. Seventeen different locations were considered; most did not result in significant hydrodynamic changes over the South Banks; however, three array locations were singled out as requiring extra caution if development were to occur. The results provide a case for optimizing the array locations for twin objectives of maximizing array power and minimizing impacts on the sandbanks. This article is part of the theme issue ‘New insights on tidal dynamics and tidal energy harvesting in the Alderney Race’.