Tidal energy is an emerging renewable energy source that has significant potential to revolutionize the energy industry in the United States. While it still requires a significant investment upfront, tidal power has the potential to generate enough electricity for more than half of the country’s total electrical generation capacity.
(What Percentage Of Tidal Energy Is Used In The United States)
One of the key features of tidal power is its ability to harness the ocean’s immense potential. In fact, a study published by the Oceanic Energy Laboratory found that the average rate of change in tides in the United States is between 31.4 and 32.9 mm per year, which is significantly higher than the global average. This means that the energy generated from tidal power can be used for several decades without needing to replace existing fossil fuels.
The cost of generating tidal power is also relatively low compared to other sources of renewable energy. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the cost of generating one gigawatt of tidal power is only around $20 million per year. However, the true cost of producing the energy will depend on various factors such as infrastructure, technology, and the availability of resources.
Another important factor to consider when evaluating the potential of tidal power is its environmental impact. Unlike solar or wind power, which require significant amounts of land and water to produce, tidal power does not require any significant physical activities to produce. Instead, it relies on the power of the ocean waves to move food particles across the water.
There are also challenges associated with the development and deployment of tidal power facilities. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that the facilities are safe and reliable. It is essential to have strong backup power systems in place to prevent the disruption of the supply of electricity during periods of high tides.
Despite these challenges, there are still many researchers working on developing new technologies for tidal power generation. Some companies, such as Oceanstorix and Exelon Power, have already invested in tidal power projects and have been successful in demonstrating their capabilities. They have also shown that tidal power can be implemented in real-world conditions without causing significant disruptions to marine ecosystems.
(What Percentage Of Tidal Energy Is Used In The United States)
In conclusion, tidal energy has significant potential to revolutionize the energy industry in the United States. With its large-scale deployment and lower environmental impact compared to other sources of renewable energy, tidal power offers a promising solution for meeting the country’s energy needs while also reducing its carbon footprint. As more research and development are conducted, we can expect to see further growth in the adoption of tidal power and its potential to transform the energy industry in the United States.
