A professor from Lancaster University will be outlining how tidal energy could make a major change in the Morecambe Bay region.

Hosted by Barrow and District Association of Engineers (BDAE), the talk will be taking place at the Forum in Barrow on Thursday, January 18.

Following on from last year's event, Professor George Aggidis will present the Tidal Range Energy Opportunity for the UK and the possible opportunities for the south Cumbria area.

Martin Bates, of BDAE, said: “It will be very interesting to hear the up to date arguments for tidal power and understand the current initiatives and potential for its future development.”

Professor Aggidis' talk in 2023 garnered a lot of interest in the concept of tidal power, which is why a follow-up event has now been organised.

He will explain the historical barriers to the development of tidal power, delving into how the arguments have been addressed and why further action should be taken.

The UK is said to have one of the best tidal resources in the world, with the second highest tidal range globally and almost half of the European tidal range resource.

Tidal range projects currently under development in the UK promise an increased capacity of 10 GW, delivering over 20TWh/y, which will account for about 5% of UK energy use.

There is potential to increase this substantially for it to become a significant foundation of green, reliable and sustainable power.

Professor Aggidis is Head of Energy Engineering at Lancaster University.

His career includes industrial and academic experience, in the UK and internationally.

Published in excess of 150 papers and with 12 granted patent applications to his name, he has a particular interest in tidal barrage systems.

The presentation will be at The Studio, The Forum in Barrow at 7.30pm on Thursday, January 18.

The talk is free and available to all, with more information available here.