World Applied Sciences Journal 22 (9): 1252-1261, 2013 ISSN 1818-4952 © IDOSI Publications, 2013 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.wasj.2013.22.09.2727 Corresponding Author: Abdul Qayoom Jakhrani, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia. Tel: +60 82-583292, Fax: +60 82-583410. 1252 Mapping of Tidal Stream Energy Resources in the Coastline of Sarawak Andrew Ragai Henry Rigit, Abdul Qayoom Jakhrani, 1 2 Shakeel Ahmed Kamboh, Wei Hui Kong and Kamran Ahmed Samo 3 4 5 Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, 1 Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia 2 Department of Mathematics and Computational Science, 3 Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia Group of Electrohydrodynamics and Cohesive Granular Media, 4 Department of Electronics and Electromagnetism, Faculty of Physics, University of Seville, Av. Reina Mercedes s/n 41012 Sevilla, Spain Lab Engineer, Quaid-e-Awam University College of Engineering, 5 Science and Technology Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan Abstract: Tidal energy is one of the most predictable and reliable source of renewable energy. The kinetic energy from tidal streams can be used for generation of electrical power. The purpose of this study was to draw the mapping of extractable tidal stream energy resources in Sarawak coastline. The tidal stream speed and corresponding power densities were computed through empirical equations. The mapping of potential locations was made by weighting of different elements required for the selection of suitable sites. It was found from the study that only a single site of Pulau Triso at Batang Lupar fulfilled the criteria of the required tidal stream speed and the clearance of shallow-draft oceangoing vessels. Off Kuala Igan met only the clearance requirements of all types of oceangoing vessels and the tidal stream speed were found to be lower than set limits. Other examined sites could not accomplish any criterion set for the site selection. It was concluded that the only practicable site for the extraction of tidal stream energy was Pulau Triso at Batang Lupar among the examined locations in Sarawak coastline. However, only shallow-draft oceangoing vessels could pass through the proposed site due to its lower water depth. Key words: Tidal streams power Tidal stream turbines Ocean energy Mapping of tidal energy resources INTRODUCTION caused by the pull of the moon and the sun and the Emissions of greenhouse gases from combustion of moon system, which produce tides [8]. The tides results fossil fuels are the major cause of environmental pollution the increase of water levels or speed of tidal stream [9]. and global warming. The greenhouse gas emissions can Therefore, either a barrage is constructed to generate be reduced by the utilization of renewable energy sources electricity using the potential energy of storage water for the generation of electricity [1-4]. The tidal energy is or by utilizing the kinetic energy of tidal streams [10]. one of such alternative energy resource that is extremely Tidal barrage is usually a dam or offshore impoundment, predictable as compared to others [5, 6]. It is because the which blocks the incoming and outgoing tides and then water levels follow the periodic highs and lows due to creates a water head [11]. Tidal barrages make use of the gravitational forces [7]. The gravitational forces are potential energy due to difference in height between high centrifugal forces created by the rotation of the earth-