Advantages and disadvantages of tidal energy

What are the benefits and disadvantages of tidal energy?  It is estimated that the potential of the energy generated by the waves of the sea at world level is of at least 2 Tera Watts.  In this article we will see what are the advantages of taking energy produced by the ocean, as well as all the complications of this method.

When we talk about energy tidal we refer to an energy extracted from the force of the ocean through the tides, since the sea has a great power, it can be used and channeled to generate clean and renewable energy.

Tidal Energy Benefits

1. It’s an absolutely renewable energy.
2. It is a very clean energy, therefore it does not affect the ecosystem.
3. The use of this energy does not generate greenhouse gas emissions.
4. With the current technology you can predict the tidal cycles and with this information, the catchment systems are designed with precision.
5. Tidal’s plants have a long lifespan in both its structure and its functioning.
6. The plants run their processes quietly.
7.  Can generate large amounts of energy with high efficiency and unlimited form.
8. This energy that is always available throughout the year.
9. It poses no risk to society or to the populations surrounding the facility.
10. It has the potential to generate an amount of electrical energy to supply a whole city.
11. Advantages over solar and wind energy in the sense that it is predictable in nature.

Tidal power applications

The greatest use that can be given to the movement of the waves of the sea is the generation of energy and can be achieved in two ways.

• One of them is to build barriers or dikes in a fjord, estuary or other appropriate configuration of the coastal terrain. Water is stored when the tide rises and when the low tide starts, the floodgates close; The reservoir is with a higher water level than the outside, a level that is used to produce a water flow that moves electricity-generating turbines.
• The other system uses the strength of the tidal currents that occur in narrow places such as gulfs or canals.

Video: How energy is generated in a central tidal

Disadvantages of Tidal energy

1. Because it is a recently applied energy, its development is in the initial phase.
2. Technology that applies is very expensive.
3. The facilities are in the coastal areas, so the negative impact on tourism is considerable.
4.  Initial investment for the construction of the tidal plant is high.
5. The type of transfer of the resulting energy generates high costs.
6. It affects the flora and fauna that have as habitat the coastal zone.
7. Construction of a central tidal can take several years to be ready and operational.
8. Its best use is given in specific areas and not anywhere.
9. The most frequently used system is the tidal dam, which is the most impact with the ecosystem.
10. Tides don’t have the same amplitude everywhere.

You can also read: The benefits of geothermal energy

Conclusion

Tidal energy is shaping up as one of the most abundant sources of energy so far, however, because it has been so little developed, its application has not yet spread to common sectors of society.