Why is there limited use of tidal energy?

Question

Andrew Armstrong · Accepted Answer

Large tidal heights and/or tidal flows are needed to power electrical generators - and they aren't common.

Tidal energy is the conversion of oceanic tides into useable electric energy.

In order to convert tides into energy, there needs to be some way for those tides to push or turn rotors - which is how electric power is generated.

So there needs to be either a huge difference in the tidal level or the tides themselves need to push huge amounts of water in such a way that the water can turn the rotors. And there aren't many places that have either factor.

Factoring in the huge cost of building facilities that can convert tides into electrical energy is another barrier to its widespread use.

However, technology continues to develop, making smaller tide height differentials and smaller tidal flows available for conversion to electricity.

https://tutor.hix.ai

Samuel Albin · Answer

undefined The limited use of tidal energy is primarily due to several factors:

1. High Initial Costs: Building infrastructure for harnessing tidal energy, such as tidal barrages or tidal stream generators, requires substantial investment, making it less economically viable compared to other renewable energy sources.

2. Environmental Impact: Tidal energy projects can disrupt marine ecosystems, alter tidal patterns, and affect wildlife habitats. Concerns about environmental damage often hinder the development of tidal energy installations.

3. Location Dependency: Tidal energy generation is restricted to coastal regions with strong tidal currents, limiting the geographic scope of viable projects. This dependency on specific locations constrains the widespread adoption of tidal energy as a renewable energy source.

4. Maintenance Challenges: Operating and maintaining tidal energy infrastructure in harsh marine environments present technical challenges and require ongoing investment, further adding to the overall cost of tidal energy projects.

Despite these challenges, ongoing research and technological advancements aim to address some of these limitations and improve the feasibility of tidal energy as a sustainable energy source in the future.