Electricity generation from tidal power in artificial “albúfera” in the Rio Negro Province, Argentina

Abstract

In this paper we consider the possibility of using the absolute depression “bajo del Gualicho” (- 72 m), Río Negro Province, Argentina, to generate electricity by means of a connection with the sea in the Gulf of San Matias, located about 25 km to the East [1]. This would allow the formation of a large lake that would create an "artificial albúfera" which will cover an area of about 1234 km2 . This lake will be exposed to tidal by means of a combination of a channel and four tunels located between the sea and the lake. Taking the reference of Puerto San Antonio Este, the average tidal range reaches 6.73m [2], so that each high tide (lasting 6 hours. 20 minutes) would the water flow to the lake and the sea at low tide it would travel in the opposite direction. This project is made by means of a multidisciplinary research group with advice of Hydraulic Laboratory of University of La Plata and Renewable Energy Group of Academic Unit of Caleta Olivia [3], National University of Austral patagonia, Province of Santa Cruz. Also this project has the endorsement of Government of Rio Negro Province.