Ocean Tidal Energy:
Is ocean tidal energy the solution to the worlds energy needs?
As the world transitions to more sustainable energy resources that can help combat the effects of climate change, all eyes are on new opportunities for growth in renewable energy implementation. Could tidal energy be just what we’ve been looking for?
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Tidal energy is a renewable energy resource that generates electricity from the natural rise and fall of Earth’s ocean tides. As a reliable resource, tidal energy shows great promise for generating renewable energy in many coastal areas around the world. To get a full picture of tidal energy; however, one cannot ignore the complexities that come with the technology. The harsh realities of economics, construction complications, and maintenance requirements for underwater oceanic energy harnessing technologies still pose many obstacles for this resource. Despite these many challenges, some locations throughout the globe have successfully constructed tidal power plants that now generate renewable energy and provide electricity to surrounding communities. In this module, we explore how tidal energy works, what technologies are being developed to harness that energy, the economic and environmental challenges and benefits associated with this resource, how tidal energy is currently being utilized in various regions over the globe, and what future opportunities are rising for tidal energy as a renewable energy resource.
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