The Study of Tidal Currents as Renewable Energy in Kelabat Bay, Bangka Belitung

Abstract

The rapid economic and population growth triggers a high demand for energy in Indonesia. This condition urges us to innovate in renewable energy which sustainable and environmentally friendly. One promising renewable energy is the tidal current energy which very potential in the island regions, such as Bangka Belitung Province. Kelabat Bay, which located in northern part of Bangka Island is a semi-closed waters and has a shallow and narrow gap in its center which separate Teluk Kelabat Luar (TKL) and Teluk Kelabat Dalam (TKD) region, which become the focus region in this research. This geographical condition allows potential energy amplification when the tides occur. Thus, this research aims to assess the potential energy of tidal currents as renewable energy in Kelabat Bay, especially at its narrow gap. The method used in this study was the numerical modelling using MIKE21 software and direct measurement to obtain tides and currents both in toward high tide and low tide condition. The current profile in Kelabat Bay is very influenced by the tidal which flow from TKL to TKD when toward high tide and vice versa toward low tide. The highest speed is measured at 15 meter depth on point 1 with speed up to 1.43 m/s. By this speed, it could be estimated 1494 watt of tidal current energy will be generated. This huge energy potential of tidal current at Kelabat Bay could be exploited to produce electricity in future works.