Tidal Energy – Image credit: User:Dani 7C3 [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
What is Tidal Energy? I hear you ask! Tidal energy is a renewable source of energy generated by harnessing kinetic energy from ocean currents and tides. The moon’s gravity and earth’s rotation causes tides and so this kind of energy can never run out – for as long as the earth is here at least!
You’ll be pleased to know that the UK is up there as one of the top countries when it comes to tidal energy. The tidal energy industry in the UK is up-and-coming and the Government has predicted that in years to come it could provide as much as 20% of the country’s electricity requirements.
As with all things, tidal energy has its pros and cons. Let’s find out what they are.
The pros of Tidal Energy
No pollution: Tidal power is a very clean source of energy. It doesn’t emit any harmful substances or any green gases making it extremely environmentally friendly.
Efficient: Did you know that a tidal plant can convert 80% of kinetic energy to electricity but a coal plant can only produce 30% energy? Compared to other fossil fuel plants, tidal power plants are far more efficient.
Consistent: As we have already discussed, tidal power is both reliable and consistent, therefore, it’s much easier to plan for the extraction and manage the electricity consumption throughout the day.
Renewable source of energy: We’ve already mentioned this but we can’t not list it as a major pro. Tidal power cannot run out! The moon’s gravity and earth’s rotation continues to cause tides. This gives it a huge edge over other fossil fuels.
The cons of Tidal Energy
Costly: Tidal energy doesn’t come cheap. Obtaining new technologies to harness tidal energy is very high in cost.
Location: Because Tidal power plants can only be built on specific areas that meet definitive criteria, it makes plant construction very limited.
Few implementations: Because of the issues mentioned above, few plants have been implemented and so no proper evaluations have been carried out to determine the success of the equipment.
Death of marine life: The growth of marine species are affected by the construction of tidal plants. Along with this fish can be sucked into the turbines.
It’s safe to say that Tidal energy isn’t going anywhere and could well be the future. The UK has such desirable tidal energy locations. Not only that but with its environmentally friendly advantages and the myriad of new and upcoming technologies, tidal energy could potentially become one of this country’s most crucial energy sources.
What are your thoughts on tidal energy? Are you for or against it? Let me know in the comments.
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