No energy science will ever be considered to be completely perfect. No matter how perfect or awful one may seem on paper, we are not able to discern its overall effectiveness until we fully examine its advantages and disadvantages. Tidal energy is certainly no different.
While the idea of being able to draw energy from the ideas seems simple and easy to implement, the reality is that converting to tidal energy is much more difficult than it would appear to the outside observer. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of tidal energy.
The Pros of Tidal Energy
1. Renewable Form Of Energy
Since the tides are not going anywhere anytime soon, proponents of tidal energy point to this factor as one of the main advantages. There is no fuel required to harness tidal energy and unlike fossil fuels and other energy sources, the resources used to create tidal energy are not finite.
The world is consuming more and more energy and with no end to these habits in immediate sight, the focus must be turned towards finding sources of energy that are renewable. While tidal energy is not without its drawbacks (as you will read), it should also not be ignored so that we, as a people, can continue to pillage our nonrenewable natural resources.
2. No Emissions
When you do not need to use any fuel to obtain or use a form of energy, this has a positive effect on the environment in the form of zero emissions. The ozone layer has experienced a great deal of damage, thanks to the energy consumption habits of humans over the past 20 to 30 years. Anything that we can do to help stem the tide helps.
As we speak, we are in a race between two increasing risk factors. One is the continued deterioration of the ozone layer, which could leave us susceptible to unforeseen environmental circumstances. The other is our continued insistence on burning through all of our natural resources, even the ones that cause emissions related issues. Tidal energy gives us a chance to nip both trends in the bud before it is too late.
3. Reliability
Unlike other forms of energy that are good for the environment, tidal energy has an almost unparalleled long term viability. Once a tidal energy plant has been established, it has the ability to last up to 100 years. This buys valuable time, as we continue to discover newer and more useful ways to harness the rest of our natural resources in a way that is beneficial to our long term survival.
The efficiency level of a tidal energy plant is quite high, even though the tidal surges that are responsible for producing the energy only last for roughly ten hours each day. In a world where renewable forms of energy are constantly in need, having an efficient power plant to rely upon is pivotal.
4. Consistent Output
While solar energy and other naturally produced elements can provide much needed energy, they are not able to generate as consistent of an output as tidal energy can. Once a plant is put into place, the owners can rely on a consistent output, one that does not wane or dip based on surreptitious factors. Being able to plan for the future means knowing exactly what you have at your disposal to work with.
Tidal energy is on the rise because those who utilize it have come to appreciate being able to count on receiving a consistent amount. It is certainly not a continuous form of energy by any stretch of the imagination, but when experts are able to track output consistently over a long period of time, it adds additional value to a particular form of energy.
5. Impacts Only Local Environment
Establishing newer forms of energy means having to consider their effects on the rest of the world at large. Some forms of energy can provide great benefits to the immediate surrounding area, while having catastrophic effects on the world as a whole. That’s why it is crucial to select energies whose impact can measured locally, as opposed to being measured globally.
Tidal energy allows local decision makers to gauge the effects it will have on their environment, without also having to deal with any sort of ramifications on the global economy or the well being of citizens halfway across the globe. This significantly cuts down on the amount of red tape that must be cut through to set up a viable plan.
The Cons of Tidal Energy
1. Expensive To Invest In
Tidal energy, like many forms of energy that attempt to harness natural elements, is quite expensive to invest in, especially as it relates to the costs of establishing a tidal power plant. It costs a great deal of money just to build a tidal power plant, let alone maintain it.
Money is certainly saved in the long run, but just how much is uncertain at the present time. This can make the initial outlay of cash less than palatable to the majority of those with money to invest. Until there is less of an initial investment or a greater potential return, this will continue to be a major roadblock to further exploration of tidal energy.
2. Lack Of Sites
A tidal energy plant cannot be built anywhere in the world at anytime. There are only a few locations where there is high potential for a quality plant that actually puts a significant dent in our growing energy needs. Tidal energy is location specific at best, which casts serious doubts about its viability as a long term energy solution.
At the moment, only citizens who are close to large bodies or certain tidal formations are able to harness and use tidal energy to their advantage. Unless more locations are able to be found or an efficient way to store tidal energy is discovered, this form of energy may be relegated to niche status over the long term.
3. Locations Are Far Away
In addition to a lack of locations, these sites are often located in very far flung locales, where there is not a huge population available to experience their benefits. If we are to get the most out of any form of new energy, then location is a crucial aspect during its development.
With the amount of time and money that must be invested in the establishment of a high functioning tidal power plant, placing them in locations where only a minimal amount of citizens are able to enjoy them seems short sighted. When there are other forms of energy that are also efficient and also able to be widely used, dedicating serious resources to tidal seems inefficient from a cost/time perspective.
4. Negative Impact On Marine Life
When the virtues of tidal energy are touted, one key factor that is often left out is the effect it has on the surrounding marine life. Fish, birds and marine mammals are often adversely affected by the use of tidal energy. It disrupts their natural habitat, as well as their feeding and mating habits.
Marine life becomes accustomed to a certain tidal cycle. When tidal energy is obtained, this natural cycle is disrupted, which wreaks havoc on a marine life ecosystem. Over the course of time, these actions could have severe consequences, as certain species of marine life would become endangered. In addition, the mud flats where birds prefer to feed are also impacted negatively.
5. Collects Water and Dirt
During the collection of tidal energy, a great deal of water, dirt and other assorted detritus begins to collect along the coastline, leading to increased pollution. This can also cause problems for marine life who live and feed along shore lines, as well as create additional issues for work crews.
The point of tidal energy is to decrease the current strain on the environment, not add to it. The collection of pollution along the shore during the obtainment of tidal energy is just another one of the many unintended consequences that are liable to take place. Tidal basins are also known to experience a significant decrease in their salinity.
