Tidal energy – and tidal stream energy in particular – is a reliable source of renewable energy because it is predictable and guaranteed, irrespective of the weather.
How does it work?
The tides are ultimately created by the Earth’s rotation, together with its gravitational interaction with the moon and sun. Practically inexhaustible, tidal power is classified as a renewable resource.
There are a number of different designs of tidal turbine, but all of these use the movement of the tides to slowly rotate the turbine, activating a generator to produce electricity.
Tidal power is becoming more popular because:
- Technological advances mean that tidal power can now be generated cost effectively
- Tides are predictable and reliable, making it easy to manage tidal energy’s contribution to electricity generation
- The electricity generated is renewable and sustainable
- Tidal energy contributes to UK and international targets for renewable energy generation