Corey Burke, Susan Kim & Alexia Marrache TIDAL ENERGY Corey Burke, Susan Kim & Alexia Marrache

Tidal Energy Definition: Tidal energy is energy obtained from changing sea levels (the tide moving from high to low and vice versa.) How It Is Used: Tidal turbines use similar technology to wind turbines, although their blades are much shorter and stronger. So a good way to think of them is as underwater windmills. Basically the water currents turn the turbines, which in turn activate a generator that produces electricity. These systems work best where there are very strong tidal zone.

Advantages of Using Tidal Energy Tidal energy is environment friendly energy and doesn't produce greenhouse gases. As 71% of Earth’s surface is covered by water, there is scope to generate this energy on large scale. Efficiency of tidal power is far greater as compared to coal, solar or wind energy. Its efficiency is around 80%.

Disadvantages of Using Tidal Energy Cost of construction of tidal power plant is high. There are very few ideal locations for construction of plant and they too are localized to coastal regions only. Usually the places where tidal energy is produced are far away from the places where it is consumed. This transmission is expensive and difficult.

Historical Problems Associated with Tidal Energy Since tidal current turbine technology is a relative new industry and applied in only a few locations, the research regarding environmental impacts is limited to hypothesis, modeling and lab experiments.

Uses of Tidal Energy Electricity: Tidal energy is most commonly used to create electricity. It is used mostly in areas that experience a great tidal range. Most methods use special generators that convert tidal energy into electricity. France is one of the few countries that have successfully manipulated this source for energy.

Problems Associated with Tidal Energy Disrupts Marine Life: Using turbines can cause the death of fish. Not Accessible: The benefits of tidal energy are only available to countries where there is water elevation. Dams: Dams are considered expensive to build and do not provide the enough energy to satiate the current energy needs that we need. Environmental Damage: Upstream flooding occurs from areas that retain all the water.

Solutions Tethys Database: Since turbines can accidently kill marine life, the database functions as a means to gather and organize information on the potential environmental effects of marine technology. Current projects to create a “fish-friendly” turbine are in effect.