Riding the Waves: The Untapped Potential of Tidal Energy in the Caribbean



As island nations search for innovative and sustainable ways to power their futures, the Caribbean is perfectly positioned to lead in harnessing one of the ocean’s most reliable forces—tidal energy. Unlike solar or wind, tidal power is predictable, consistent, and rooted in the very waters that define our identity.

This week on Green Caribbean Chronicles, we explore what tidal energy is, how it works, and why it could play a vital role in the region’s transition to clean energy—and how the global momentum around tidal power can support the Caribbean’s efforts.

 What is Tidal Energy?

Tidal energy, a form of hydropower, captures the movement of ocean tides to generate electricity. This is typically done using underwater turbines or tidal barrages that convert the kinetic energy of moving water into power.

Unlike solar and wind, tides follow precise lunar cycles, making tidal energy highly predictable. It’s an ideal complement to other renewable sources in a hybrid energy system.

Why It’s Relevant for the Caribbean

With hundreds of miles of coastline and access to strong tidal currents, the Caribbean is well-suited for tidal energy innovation. Benefits include:

  •  Consistent energy production (day and night)

  •  Reduced fossil fuel imports

  •  Strengthened energy resilience in remote coastal communities

  •  Environmental sustainability with low carbon emissions

Where Tidal Energy Is Being Explored

While tidal energy is still in early stages in the Caribbean, interest is growing:

  • Barbados has conducted feasibility studies on ocean energy and coastal current potential [1].

  • Grenada and Saint Kitts & Nevis have expressed interest in tidal and wave energy development [2].

  • The Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) is actively exploring marine energy opportunities [3].

  • Global partnerships with countries like Canada and the UK are increasing access to tidal technology and funding [4].

International Developments in Tidal Energy

Globally, tidal energy is gaining traction:

  • Scotland leads in marine energy deployment, with companies like MeyGen generating grid-connected tidal power.

  • Canada has launched projects in Nova Scotia, testing various turbine technologies.

  • South Korea operates the world’s largest tidal barrage power station—the Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Plant.

  • France and China continue to expand investments in marine renewables.

These international successes demonstrate the scalability and reliability of tidal power—lessons that the Caribbean can adapt and apply with regional specificity.

What Needs to Happen Next

To advance tidal energy, the region needs:

  •  Investment in pilot projects and R&D

  •  Technical training and capacity-building

  •  Marine spatial planning and regulatory frameworks

  •  Public awareness on the benefits of marine energy

Final Thoughts

Tidal power represents more than just clean electricity—it’s a symbol of how the Caribbean can lead in climate-smart innovation by working with, not against, nature. As global momentum builds around ocean energy, it’s time for the Caribbean to ride the tide and secure its place in the future of sustainable power.

With ocean-driven optimism,
Z. Charles
Founder, Green Caribbean Chronicles

References & Resources

[1] Government of Barbados, Ministry of Energy & Business. (2022). Barbados Blue Economy Energy Studies. https://energy.gov.bb

[2] Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). (2021). Marine Renewable Energy in the Eastern Caribbean: Potential and Progress. https://www.oecs.org

[3] Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE). (2023). Marine Energy Initiatives in the Caribbean. https://www.ccreee.org

[4] International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). (2020). Innovation Outlook: Ocean Energy Technologies. https://www.irena.org/publications

[5] Scottish Government. (2023). Scotland’s Marine Energy Strategy. https://www.gov.scot

[6] Nova Scotia Government & Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE). https://fundyforce.ca

[7] International Energy Agency (IEA). (2022). Tidal and Wave Energy Projects Around the World. https://iea.

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