Did you know that tidal energy is one of the oldest forms of renewable energy?
It is one form of energy that can never run out because the tides will always come and go regardless of what humans do. It’s simply a matter of capturing this power.
The only problem with tidal is that it can be challenging to harness this form of power. Because of this, many people often equate tidal as the most complex form of energy to harness.
Do you want to learn more about this form of energy and whether you should invest in it? If so, then you’re in the right place. Read on and find out why you should use tidal instead of solar.
Pros
First, tidal is more reliable due to the predictable nature of the tides. It can produce electricity at any time of day, unlike solar energy which is highly dependent on many sunny days in a given region. Also, compared to solar energy, tidal is less affected by changes in weather.
As the tides are driven by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun, there is no risk of disruption due to weather events such as clouds or storms. Additionally, tidal does not produce any harmful emissions, which makes it an environmentally friendly energy source.
Finally, it generates electricity at high capacity meaning it can create large-scale power production. This results in a more powerful and effective way of producing electricity compared to solar energy.
Higher Power Density
Power density is a measure of how much energy can be easily generated on a given amount of land or in a given body of water. Tidal power has extremely high power density because the water has a natural powerful flow that can give more energy.
Solar, in comparison, has relatively low power density since less energy in smaller areas. By utilizing a higher power density of tidal in comparison to solar, more energy may be easily produced from a smaller area. This makes it a great choice for areas with limited land, or for offshore development.
Consistent Power
Tidal has the assistance of turbines attached to the seabed and depends on the tide turning with the rise and fall of the sea. Unlike solar power, this kind of energy is not hindered by day or night and provides a steady stream of power throughout the day. This makes it easier to plan and monitor energy usage more efficiently.
In addition, due to the constant and predictable nature of tides, energies can be harnessed and stored for times of peak consumption. All this makes Tidal renewable energy solutions for a reliable and consistent source of power.
Low Impact on the Environment
This is because a tidal system is more reliable and has fewer components than a solar energy system. It uses only the natural movement of ocean tides to generate electricity and the ecosystem is left undisturbed. There is no pollution, noise, or visual impact since these wave energy systems are operated beneath the surface of the ocean.
This reduces the amount of habitat loss that might occur from traditional energy sources. It is also easier to maintain than solar energy, with fewer parts and components.
Supply of Energy Is Constant
Tides are predictable and dependable, meaning that tides can be reliably produced. Solar energy relies on sunlight, so when there is no sun, there is no energy produced. Therefore, with tidal, the supply of energy is constant and predictable.
This is significantly more efficient than other energy sources such as solar that are dependent on environmental factors. Additionally, tidal does not produce air pollution, so it is a clean energy source. This is a big pro for using tidal over solar energy as it is more reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
Cost-Effective
Tidal requires no fuel, and equipment can run for long periods of time due to its ongoing source, the tides. Turbines are efficient and capable of capturing a large portion of the energy from the tides which helps reduce costs further. The cost of maintenance for tidal is also lower than traditional renewable sources such as solar energy or wind energy due to the lack of significant moving parts.
The energy generated is predictable, reliable, and consistent due to the fact tidal harnesses the energy of the tides in a predictable manner. All of these factors combined make tidal a cost-effective renewable energy source.
Cons
First, tides rely on the ocean’s tides, which can be unpredictable and unreliable, leaving some areas without power until the tide changes. It also has a high build cost, as installing a turbine can be expensive and takes time. It can also have a negative impact on the local marine ecosystem, disrupting the movement of marine life and causing noise pollution.
Additionally, it isn’t easy to store the energy generated by tidal turbines, so to avoid wastage, electricity has to be as soon as it is produced. Finally, the location of ocean tides can be limited, meaning access to tides is scarce in some regions. In conclusion, this can be a reliable form of renewable energy in some cases, yet, there are a few cons associated with its use that you need to consider.
Not as Reliable
It is one of the most efficient forms of renewable energy. Yet, its potential to produce dependable and consistent power is not as reliable as that of solar energy. This is because tidal cycles rely on the moon’s gravitational pull to create tidal waves and are thus determined by a tidal cycle that changes over time.
In addition, there could be several mechanical issues with turbines and other related machinery, leading to disruption in energy production. This would be an issue in areas that rely heavily on tides and need a consistent power supply. Finally, tidal is a very useful source of renewable energy, although it is not as reliable as solar energy.
Expensive to Install and Maintain
It is required to install underwater turbines in the ocean, which is a complicated and costly engineering process. Additionally, these turbines must be regularly maintained and monitored to ensure they are safe, efficient, and in working order. It is also important to repair any damage caused by storms or other marine hazards.
As a result of these costs, tidal power is not economically viable in many parts of the world because of the high costs associated with producing, installing, and maintaining these turbines. Conversely, solar energy is far more accessible and cost-effective to both install and maintain.
Prone in for Underwater Debris
One of the cons of using tidal over solar is vulnerable to underwater debris. Underwater debris includes items such as plastic, fishing gear, and other human objects that can disrupt and damage the turbines used to capture tidal. Additionally, underwater debris can cause harm to nearby marine life, negatively affecting the ecosystem as a whole.
As such, it is important to collect and safely dispose of any debris before using tidal, which is a time-consuming and costly process. In the end, the cost of collecting and removing underwater debris must be against the potential benefit of using tidal over solar.
Limited to Certain Areas
Tidal sources are near coastal areas, as it relies on the power of oceanic tides. Unfortunately, coastal areas are not evenly distributed around the world. Therefore tidal sources are limited to certain areas. This can make it difficult to use tidal in other areas, where solar energy is more abundant.
Additionally, the cost of building a local solar installation to access tides is much more costly than solar power, making the use of tides not cost-effective in some areas. Consequently, the limited availability of tidal due to its location in certain areas can be a con for choosing it over solar energy.
Turbines Do Not Last Forever
These turbines need a replacement or maintenance after a certain period of time or once the desired amount of electricity is produced. It does not come as easily as solar energy as it is more difficult to capture the force of the ocean’s tides. Turbines do not last forever, which affects the continuity, reliability, and efficiency of the power produced from them.
Use Tidal Energy Today
In conclusion, it is clear that tidal energy has its advantages and disadvantages, just like solar energy. Yet, tidal provides reliable, renewable, and clean energy and has the potential to become a major source of electricity if scaled up. Take the next step and research the benefits and drawbacks of using tidal energy in your region today!
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