Tidal Energy

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Introduction to Tidal Energy

The issue of energy security has been a trending topic in domestic and global energy issues. Although solar and wind have often been widely thought to be the most productive renewable energy sources; tidal energy is a considerably more sustainable source in the eyes of many researchers. To elaborate, tidal energy is also known as tidal power, and can be defined as “is a form of hydropower that converts the energy obtained from tides into useful forms of power, mainly electricity” (Wikipedia).

The use of tides was initially thought of in order to produce electricity in specific areas that there was a significant difference between low and high tides. Currently tidal energy production is still minimal as only a few facilities have opened up in the world. The first facility was opened in France and has since opened up a few others, with the largest being held in South Korea, with none being in the United States. The United States have not adopted the idea yet because they are not completely sold on feasibility; both financially and realistically. However, an article published by National Geographic states: “Engineers are working to improve the technology of tidal energy generators to increase the amount of energy they produce, to decrease their impact on the environment, and to find a way to earn a profit for energy companies” (National Geographic, 2006). To continue, an analysis of the origins of this type of energy aims to uncover potential opportunities and area for widespread applications.

Fundamentals of Tidal Energy

Tidal energy is diversified, whereas there are numerous ways to utilize tides as a source of energy. The three current generators for tidal energy can be noted as; “tidal streams, barrages and tidal lagoons” (National Geographic, 2006).

First of all, the manner in which you generate energy for tidal streams is through the use of strategically placed turbines in channels of water with high tide activity. To elaborate, the definition of a turbine it is noted as; “A machine that takes energy from a flow of fluid” (National Geographic, 2006). This method is also known to be similar to windmills as they are used to move air. Due to its strengths of being removable, lower cost projections and the potential impact, tidal streams are becoming more and more popular.  

Furthermore, barrages are another platform that work as a generator for tidal energy. A barrage is very large and allows water to flow over it and through its turbines. “They are essentially dams across the full width of a tidal estuary, or the mouth of a river that has a free-flowing connection to the ocean” (Fundyforce, 2008). Barrages are not seen as one of the stronger usages in order to produce tidal energy for a few reasons, including its cost. Due to the flow of water over and through the tide estuary and shortage of viable sites worldwide, there are also environmental concerns.

Last but not least, tidal lagoons. “A tidal lagoon is a body of ocean water that is partly enclosed by a natural or manmade barrier” (National Geographic, 2006). With this being said, it sounds a lot similar to barriers, however it has its differences. Lagoons are able to power continuously as barriers cannot. As well, they have the option of being built along the natural coastline. They have the option to be built as self-contained structures, meaning they would not be stretched across the entire estuary. This would allow costs to drop, and reduce environmental concerns.

Origins of Tidal Energy

Although it may be an emerging technology discussion nowadays, the beginning phases of this energy study began back in the 1960’s. Specifically, it was done so in the barrage format in Brittany, France. The plant is still currently up and running, it works as a generator which ultimately means the plant uses two sources of energy which stem from tidal energy and current energy. Currently, there are about 10 small barrages operating throughout the world, however they are not used to provide commercial power. (Clare R, Tidal Power, 1992)

This site is still functioning after 37 years. The success and longstanding of this site, has facilitated the implantation of other similar projects around the world. The subsequent tidal energy facility opened 1982, in Nova Scotia, Canada. It was operated from a 16-megawatt turbine that initially had some disruptions which ultimately caused 2 outages, but has since pushed forward without flaw.  

Since it such a new and developing technology, there has only been a limited number of facilities generating this power. In my opinion, I would expect that many more facilities increase, as the pressure for sustainable energy needs increase in the coming years.

Analysis of Tidal Energy

Surrounding the concept of tidal energy there is a great amount of information and insight to be analyzed. To begin, on the topic of sustainability, it portrays very clean energy. The ultimate reason why it gives off clean energy is because it does not consume gases which are can be held responsible for acid rain or global warming (Energy Council, 2007). Another positive impact tidal energy would touch upon, is the decrease dependency upon other more-harmful energy generation such as radiation.