Global Tidal Power Market to Reach US$1.1 Billion by 2030
The global market for Tidal Power estimated at US$681.4 Million in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$1.1 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.8% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Tidal Barrage, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 9.9% CAGR and reach US$519.7 Million by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Floating Tidal Power Platform segment is estimated at 5.0% CAGR over the analysis period.
The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$185.7 Million While China is Forecast to Grow at 12.5% CAGR
The Tidal Power market in the U.S. is estimated at US$185.7 Million in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$232.2 Million by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 12.5% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 3.7% and 7.6% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 5.2% CAGR.
Global Tidal Power Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized
Is Tidal Power the Most Underutilized Renewable Energy Source With Massive Potential?
Tidal power, a form of hydropower that harnesses the energy of oceanic tides to generate electricity, is gaining renewed attention in the global transition toward clean energy. Unlike solar or wind, tidal power offers inherent predictability—since tides are governed by lunar cycles—and a consistent energy yield over time. It has historically lagged behind other renewables due to high capital costs and environmental concerns, but advances in turbine design, underwater infrastructure, and coastal grid integration are now making it a more viable part of national energy strategies.
There are three main types of tidal energy generation: tidal stream systems, tidal barrages, and tidal lagoons. Among them, tidal stream technology—resembling underwater wind turbines placed in fast-flowing tidal currents—is currently the most scalable and environmentally friendly. Countries with long coastlines and strong tidal ranges, such as the UK, Canada, South Korea, and France, are at the forefront of commercialization. As governments seek diversified energy mixes that are resilient and low-carbon, tidal power is increasingly viewed as a complementary source of baseload electricity in coastal grids.
How Are Technology Advancements Enhancing Efficiency and Environmental Compatibility?
Breakthroughs in turbine engineering are significantly improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of tidal energy systems. Modern horizontal-axis and vertical-axis turbines are designed to withstand harsh marine environments and reduce drag, making them more durable and productive. Subsea foundations, often gravity-based or anchored with monopiles, are now modular and easier to install, reducing construction time and ecosystem disruption. Blade materials have evolved to include composites and corrosion-resistant alloys, ensuring long operational lifespans with minimal maintenance.
Simultaneously, data-driven approaches—such as real-time ocean current monitoring, machine learning for predictive maintenance, and digital twin modeling—are increasing energy output and reducing operational risks. Acoustic and hydrodynamic modeling tools are being used to assess marine biodiversity impact, guiding environmentally conscious deployment. Acoustic deterrents, rotor shielding, and low-RPM blade designs are being implemented to mitigate harm to marine fauna. These technological innovations are addressing both the efficiency limitations and ecological concerns that historically hindered tidal power expansion.
Can Grid Integration, Policy Incentives, and Coastal Urbanization Fuel Growth?
The growing focus on coastal resilience and marine infrastructure is creating new synergies for tidal power deployment. Many coastal cities are investing in seawalls, breakwaters, and flood barriers to combat sea level rise and extreme weather. Tidal power installations—particularly tidal lagoons and hybrid flood-defense systems—are being co-developed with these civil works to provide dual-purpose infrastructure. This not only optimizes space but also reduces project cost per function, making the economics of tidal energy more favorable.
Additionally, grid integration strategies are evolving to accommodate the cyclical nature of tidal power. Paired with battery storage, pumped hydro, or hydrogen generation, tidal systems can provide reliable energy supply for remote coastal regions and island nations that face fuel import dependency. Government incentives, feed-in tariffs, and blue energy funding programs are being launched to de-risk investments and accelerate deployment. Moreover, national decarbonization targets are encouraging energy developers to diversify into marine renewables, with tidal energy increasingly included in long-term clean power procurement policies.
What Is Driving the Global Growth of the Tidal Power Market?
The growth in the tidal power market is driven by several interrelated factors linked to renewable diversification, technological maturation, and coastal infrastructure development. First, the increasing demand for predictable and resilient renewable energy sources is positioning tidal power as a valuable complement to intermittent sources like wind and solar. Second, advances in subsea turbine design, corrosion-resistant materials, and modular installation platforms are reducing both capital and operational expenditures.
Third, the integration of tidal systems with coastal protection and urban marine planning is making multi-use infrastructure projects more viable and economically attractive. Fourth, national and regional policy frameworks—especially in countries with long tidal coastlines—are providing financial and regulatory support for pilot and commercial-scale projects. Fifth, innovations in hybrid energy systems, such as coupling tidal with energy storage or hydrogen electrolysis, are enhancing dispatchability and grid stability. Lastly, the rise of marine spatial planning and environmental impact modeling is enabling more responsible, ecologically balanced project deployment. Together, these drivers are reshaping tidal power from an experimental concept into a dependable player in the global renewable energy transition.
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