Tidal Current Energy Resource Assessment for Vietnam

This study aims to assess potential of tidal current energy resources in Vietnam. The two regions of Vietnam, which have the highest tidal amplitudes are chosen to investigate. Their tidal energy resource assessments are based on IEC TS 62600-201 standard and the technical guideline of European Marine Energy Center (EMEC) combining with hydrodynamic modelling techniques using Delf3D and spatial analysis by ArcGIS. The input data for tidal propagation model are extracted from Global Tidal Solutions (TPXO.8) and General Bathymetric Chart of the Ocean (GEBCO). The validation data are taken from the tidal stations of Hon Dau and Vung Tau. The hydrodynamic model is only account for tide while neglecting effects of wind and wave. A hind-cast modelling for the year of 2019 is conducted to estimate tidal velocity, from which annual tidal energy is calculated. Main results of the study include maps of tidal power density and potential areas, theoretical kinetic power, velocity distribution histogram and technical power for potential areas.