Why is Tidal Energy a Limited Source of Energy?

Tidal motion provides valuable, renewable energy.

An ever-increasing demand for energy and a growing environmental movement means that renewable energy sources are more valuable and necessary than ever. Tidal energy is just such a renewable source. However, its power-generating potential is not without limits.

Types

Tidal barrages are often placed at estuary mouths.

Tidal energy is generated in a number of different ways and there are therefore a variety of tidal technologies in use. The most common of these are undersea turbines and barrages placed across estuary mouths where tidal motion is at its strongest.

Features

Tidal motion is a result of the gravitational pull of the moon.

Tidal motion is caused by the moon's gravitational pull and is therefore reliable, occurring twice every day. However, this limits its energy-generating potential to these two daily periods and makes it viable only as an auxiliary energy source.

Benefits

Undersea turbines use tidal motion to create movement.

Tidal energy is a clean, non-polluting, renewable and relatively simple energy source making it a valuable technology when compared with fossil fuels. However, it is expensive to produce.

Limits

Tidal energy is still only a supplementary power supply.

Tidal energy production is limited in numerous ways, particularly as a result of its intermittent motion, limited number of environmentally viable sites and the relatively high associated costs.

References

• Ocean Energy Council: Tidal Power
• Sundance UK Renewables: Tidal Energy
• Energy Resources: Tidal Power
• Energy Consumers Edge: Pros and Cons of Tidal Energy Use

Resources

• Bionomic Fuel: Pros and Cons of Tidal Power