Tidal energy is a clean, renewable and virtually limitless source of power that has the potential to meet the world’s growing energy needs without compromising the environment or harming wildlife. The world’s population uses a total of around 3.8 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity each year, and it’s estimated that by 2040, this figure will increase to more than 100 TWh.
(Who Uses Tidal Energy)
In recent years, tidal energy has gained increasing popularity as an alternative source of power, due to its many benefits over traditional fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas. One of the main advantages of tidal energy is that it can be generated from natural ocean tides, which can be harnessed on a wide range of scales, from small-scale floating turbines in coastal areas to large-scale underwater turbines in estuaries.
However, there are also some challenges associated with tidal energy that need to be addressed before it can become a viable option for widespread use. These include the risk of adverse environmental impacts, such as damage to marine ecosystems and harm to marine life, as well as the technical and financial upfront costs involved in building and operating large-scale turbines.
Despite these challenges, tidal energy has the potential to provide a significant amount of renewable energy for the future, especially in coastal regions where access to reliable electricity sources is limited. For example, tidal energy can help reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, improve air quality, and create jobs in coastal communities.
There are several different types of tidal energy technologies, including tidal turbines, barrages, and wave farms. Tidal turbines are specifically designed to harness the flow of ocean tides and convert them into electrical power. They typically consist of two blades that are installed in the water and connected to a generator that produces electricity.
Barrages are similar to tidal turbines but they are located above sea level and can generate electricity more efficiently than turbines closer to shore. Wave farms involve deploying rows of fixed structures called “tide gates” in the water to control the flow of water and generate electricity. These structures are typically built on beaches and can be used to provide both electricity and revenue through.
(Who Uses Tidal Energy)
Another type of tidal energy technology is called “tidal lagoons,” which consist of pools of saltwater that are intentionally created to store energy for energy without causing harm
