Tidal energy resource characterization in Chacao Channel, Chile

•Tidal energy resource characterization in Chacao Channel from both, field measurements and a numerical model.•Field measurements indicate tidal currents that exceed 4 m/s and turbulence intensities between 5% and 20%.•Tidal currents, and hence power, are greater during ebb flows.•The kinetic power density at the ADCP sites in Chacao Channel is 5 kWm2 in average.