UNIT 7 Tidal Energy

TIDAL ENERGY

 Tidal energy is energy that can be obtained from the changing sea levels. In other words, tidal energy is a direct result of tide shifting from low to high.

Tidal energy is considered a renewable source of energy. It only uses the energy from tide changes instead of burning or consuming any form of energy source. It is also considered inexhaustible because tides always rise and fall due to gravity.

Tidal power utilization  is also considered a very reliable source of energy due to its predictability. Compared to other energy sources such as wind or solar energy, tidal changes are easier to predict. They also occur consistently. Unlike solar or wind energy tidal energy does not depend on the season or the weather type. Instead, tidal energy relies purely on the orbital kinetic energy that the sun exerts as the earth orbits around it. The same goes for the moon and earth orbital system. As the moon orbits around the earth, both sides experience a gravitational force.

Consequently, all of the forces that work within the orbital systems create an imbalance in the earth's water levels. So, some places have high water levels while others have decreased water levels.

The largest tidal power station in the world and the only one in Europe is in
northern France. It was built in 1966.

Advantages of tidal energy

· Once you've built a tidal power station, tidal power is free.

· It produces no greenhouse gases or other waste.

· It needs no fuel.

· It produces electricity reliably.

· It is not expensive to maintain.

· Tides are totally predictable.

Disadvantages of tidal energy

· Only provides power for around 10 hours each day, when the tide is actually moving in or out.

· There are few suitable sites for tidal barrages.