Benefits of tidal power generation

Tidal power generation is not as famous as the other conventional methods of power generation like thermal power or hydroelectric power. But it does not imply that they are not useful. In future we will be dependent on tidal power, solar power and wind power for our energy consumptions. Amongst them, tidal power is going to play a strong role as tides are more predictable than the other sources. But to use tidal power to produce electricity is not that easy and is also very expensive. But with the progress of the science, we are sure to find a cheaper and more effective way to generate electricity using tidal power.

The benefits of the tidal power generation are as follows:

1. Resource:
The first most important benefit of the tidal power generation is that the resource which is required for its generation i.e. tidal water is available quite easily and is free of cost. Tidal water which is used to rotate the turbines is available during the tides and both high and low tide water are used for the purpose. The speed of rotation of the turbines depends on the height of the water level and the tidal current velocities. Greater height and stronger velocities helps in more tidal power generation. This helps the tidal power plant to save the expenses which are incurred by the other power plants like nuclear or thermal or hydroelectric for procuring radioactive materials or coals etc.

2. Renewable form of energy
Tidal energy is a renewable form of energy as it is inexhaustible because it is produced from the tides which are caused due to the relative motion of the Sun and the Earth and the Earth and the Moon.

3. Cost effective:
Tidal power plants can be maintained easily and that too without spending much. Moreover, the vertical axis turbines and the offshore turbines are not that much expensive to build.

4. Eco friendly
Tidal power plants are eco friendly. No greenhouse gases or other poisonous gases or other wastes are produced.

5. Tourism
Construction of structures like barrages, turbines and lagoons which are commonly not found becomes a craze for the general public. Hence, a tidal power plant can make a place popular. It can also help to encourage tourism in the neighboring areas. In this way, local people can be helped so that they can improve their economic condition.

Though, there are lots of advantages to tidal power generation there are disadvantages too. So to use the tidal power more effectively for the generation of electricity, it is necessary to overcome some of the major disadvantages. Moreover, care should be taken so that the marine environment does not get badly affected.