Discussion on low-carbon energy supply and scour protection technology for cross-sea bridges combined with tidal current energy

Abstract

In the context of achieving carbon peak and carbon neutrality, the construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructure should also comply with the requirements of green and low-carbon development. There are many long-span cross-sea bridges in Zhejiang Province, which consume large amounts of electricity for lighting, dehumidification, and anticorrosion, etc., and the energy required usually relies on external energy transfer, which is costly and intermediate losses are high. Tidal current energy, which is the kinetic energy generated during ebb and flood tides, is abundant along the coast of Zhejiang Province, mainly concentrated in Hangzhou Bay and Zhoushan Islands, which is also a dense area of sea-spanning bridges, and the foundation of sea-spanning bridges often suffers from severe scouring to the strong tidal current action. This paper discusses two forms of joint development of tidal current power generators and cross-sea bridges, analyses the advantages and disadvantages as well as the feasibility of each scheme, and gives suggestions for subsequent development.