Assessment of tidal current potential in the Amapá’s inner continental shelf (Eastern Amazonia - Brazil)

Abstract

This study addresses the global shift towards renewable energy due to the increasing demand driven by socioeconomic development. With finite fossil energy sources, there’s a growing interest in oceanic renewable energy, estimated at 76 million MW. The Amazon, with its significant potential, particularly from predictable tidal currents in estuaries, stands out. The Inner Continental Shelf of Amapá, influenced by factors like water discharge (5,7 × 10¹² m³.year^− 1) and trade winds (speed: 5–10 m.s^− 1) as well as Meso and Macrotidal, is a notable region. The paper focuses on hydrodynamic simulations considering different tidal scenarios and aims to assess the energy potential of tidal currents. Using the SisBaHiA two-dimensional hydrodynamic model, the study evaluates power density in key areas. The spring-neap cycle simulations identify promising zones in the Varador channel—upper section (tidal current velocity of 1,53 m.s^− 1– 1.835 W.m^− 2) and lower section (tidal current velocity of 1,12 m.s^− 1 – 720,03 W.m-²). Notably, the upper Varador channel near the Inferno ¨igarapé¨ (Maraca Island) exhibits greater energy density, highlighting its potential in both spring and neap cycles. This research contributes valuable insights into the renewable energy potential of tidal currents in the Amapá region, supporting sustainable energy development.