Tidal energy harnesses the power of ocean tides but has limitations in its viability and economic stability. While tidal energy could work well in areas with extensive coastline like Santa Barbara, the infrastructure required like dams would disrupt water and wildlife habitats. Tidal energy plants also only operate for half the day and are costly to build, maintain, and have low energy output relative to their size. Overall, tidal energy has potential as a renewable source but has significant disadvantages that make other renewable options more practical currently.
1. Tidal Energy
We as a group, believe that tidal energy is a viable
source of energy but not the most efficient. This source
of energy is not economically or environmentally stable
2. Viability in the USA
Tidal energy is not available everywhere in
the USA. You are required to live by a large
body of water (lakes,rivers or oceans)
If we started to use tidal energy dams more
often it could lead to a major disruption in
all water sources
3. Viability in S.B
It would be a viable energy source in Santa
Barbara because of our extensive stretch of
ocean.
We however do not have land to sacrifice for
the dam that would need to be built.
4. Background Info
The first commercial plant was on Rance
river, France by St. Malo
Tidal energy was first created in 900 A.D by
natives producing grains and rice
5. Views on Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels such as oil and coal are two
traditional forms of energy. They are useful
and many people utilize all that they bring.
However, our fossil fuels are slowly running
out and we need an alternative energy
source.
6. Tidal Energy
Definition: “Tidal energy is a form of hydropower that
converts the energy of tides into useful forms of power - mainly
electricity.”
Tidal energy generally involves a dam being put at the mouth of a
large body of water called an estuary. This dam is composed of
turbines in tunnels which rotate when the tide comes in creating
electricity
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tidal_power (wikipedia)
7. Where is it Found?
tidal energy is a renewable source of energy
found in large bodies of water that go in and
out of turbines spinning to create energy
This process continues until tides change
8. Storage and Usage
Tidal energy is stored in the turbines and
converted into energy by a generator which
powers other sources of energy
This way of creating energy is better than
traditional sources because it does not
involve drilling or burning things to obtain
the energy
Source: http://www.greenstudentu.com/
encyclopedia/energy/tidal
9. The Future
The future is not so great for tidal energy
plants. Because of the overwhelming costs
and large amount of land needed, scientists
have found that there are better
environmentally sustainable sources that
could be used.
10. Usage of Tidal Energy
Tidal energy is being used mainly in Europe
and on the atlantic coast.
I think that tidal energy is viable but is not
necessarily the best source of energy that
could be provided.
11. Advantages
Tidal energy is an abundant source of energy
that is clean and renewable(from the moon
continuing to trigger tides).
14. Environmental Con’s
There are four major drawbacks to tidal
energy from the environmental aspect.
Dam’s block boating navigation: There is no
longer free access tho the ocean and it creates allot of traffic
Dams stall fish migration: Fish are made to pass
through the turbines at least twice and only 6% survive
15. Environmental Con’s
Dams change the natural flow of water:
Turbines turn out water at a different rate than tides naturally
come in and out
This whole project takes up land that is
invalueble to our society. If we were to start this
project, especially in santa barbara, we would lose a large
percentage of the natural habitat inhabiting these lakes, oceans and
rivers.
16. Economic Con’s
The costs and matinence of tidal energy
are astronomical: it costs almost two billion dollars to
construct a tidal barrage. This is not worth it for the 2.5
terrawatts ( created each day
The Tidal plant only works for twelve
hours a day and is also limited to where it
can be built: Obviously the plant can only be built by an
ocean, lake or river. That is debilitating. Working only twelve hours a
day when the tide comes in and out means less power
