Tidal Power on the Rise – A form of renewable energy, tidal power generates electricity by harnessing the power of the tides. The technology has been around for decades, but only recently have advancements been made that make it more cost-effective and efficient. In this article, we will explore the latest developments in tidal power technology and how it is being used around the world.

Tidal Power on the Rise: The Latest Developments in Technology:

Introduction to Tidal Power:

Tidal power is a form of hydropower that utilizes the energy of the tides to generate electricity. This is done by building a dam or barrier across a tidal estuary or bay. As the tide comes in, the water flows through the dam and turns into a turbine, which generates electricity. When the tide goes out, the water is released back into the ocean. This process is repeated twice a day, making it a highly predictable and reliable source of energy.

Types of Tidal Power Technologies

There are two main types of tidal power technologies: tidal barrages and tidal stream generators.

Tidal Barrages:

A tidal barrage is a man-made structure that is built across a tidal estuary or bay to generate electricity from the tidal range, which is the difference in water level between high tide and low tide. Tidal barrages work by trapping water in a reservoir behind the barrage during high tide and then releasing the water through turbines during low tide to generate electricity.

Tidal barrages are considered a form of hydropower and are considered to be a reliable and predictable source of renewable energy. However, they can also have a significant impact on the local ecosystem and are generally considered to be a controversial form of energy generation.

Tidal Stream Generators:

Tidal stream generators, also known as tidal energy converters, are devices that use the kinetic energy of tidal currents to generate electricity. They work by harnessing the power of the tides to turn a turbine, which generates electricity that is then sent to the grid. Tidal stream generators can be installed in a variety of locations, such as in estuaries, straits, and near offshore islands.

They can also be placed on the seabed, or attached to floating platforms. Tidal stream generators are considered a promising source of renewable energy as they are predictable, reliable, and have a low environmental impact. However, they are still in the early stages of development and commercial deployment.

Current Developments in Tidal Power Technology:

In recent years, there have been a number of advancements in tidal power technology that are making it more cost-effective and efficient. Some of the most important and notable developments include:

• Larger Turbines: As technology has advanced, turbines have become larger and more efficient. This means that they can generate more electricity with less energy.
• Floating Tidal Stream Generators: A new form of tidal stream generator is the floating turbine. These turbines are placed on the surface of the water and use the kinetic energy of the tide to generate electricity. This eliminates the need for costly underwater infrastructure.

Tidal Power around the World:

Tidal power is being used around the world to generate clean, renewable energy. Some of the most important and notable projects include:

• La Rance Tidal Power Plant: The La Rance Tidal Power Plant in France is the oldest and largest tidal power plant in the world. It has been in operation since 1966 and generates enough electricity to power over 16,000 homes.
• Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Plant: The Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Plant in South Korea is the largest tidal power plant in the world. It generates enough electricity to power over 250,000 homes.
• Meygen Tidal Power Project: The Meygen Tidal Power Project in Scotland is the largest tidal power project in the world. It is a proposed project that will use tidal stream generators to generate up to 398 megawatts of electricity.
• Ocean Renewable Power Company: Ocean Renewable Power Company is a leading developer of tidal power technology in the United States. They have developed a number of innovative technologies including a floating tidal stream generator called the “TidGen Power System”, which is designed to be deployed in coastal and offshore waters. The company has several projects in development, including a proposed 10-megawatt project in Maine.

Atlantis Resources Corporation: Atlantis Resources Corporation is a Singapore-based company that develops and operates tidal power projects around the world. Their flagship project is the Meygen Tidal Power Project in Scotland, which is the largest tidal power project in the world. They also have projects in development in Canada, France, and South Korea.

Conclusion:

A form of renewable energy, tidal power generates electricity by harnessing the power of the tides. Technology has advanced significantly in recent years, making it more cost-effective and efficient. Tidal power projects are currently in operation around the world, with many more in development. As technology continues to improve and costs decrease, it is likely that tidal power will play an increasingly important role in meeting our energy needs.