Tidal Energy Potential in the San Francisco Bay

The tidal energy resource in the San Francisco Bay (USA) is investigated using of high-resolution numerical modelling and spatial analysis. The system is analyzed for tidal energy potential under various conditions including low, mean, average and high freshwater inflows. The study approached the problem using high resolution numerical modeling that followed a robust moel validation effort and demonstrated the applicability of  numerical modelling  for identifying the most appropriate areas for tidal stream energy conversion. Future work will incorporate the effects of tidal energy converters on the circulation regime within the san Francisco Bay Estuary and the quantification of ecological impacts.