As the world grapples with the existential threat of climate change, it’s astonishing that tidal energy, one of the most predictable and reliable forms of renewable power, remains a tiny player in the global energy mix. While solar and wind energy get all the attention, tidal power has been quietly generating electricity for decades, and yet, it’s still struggling to make a significant impact.
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So, what’s holding tidal energy back? The answer lies in its unique challenges. Tidal energy harnesses the power of ocean tides to generate electricity, but it’s a complex and expensive process. Building a tidal energy farm requires a massive array of underwater turbines or barrages that can withstand the harsh marine environment and capture the predictable tidal flows. These structures need to be designed and built to withstand powerful ocean currents, corrosion, and extreme weather conditions, which drives up costs.
Despite these challenges, tidal energy has made significant progress in recent years. In 2019, the European Union launched the “Tidal Energy and Ocean Energy” initiative, which aims to create a tidal energy market in the region by 2030. The UK, in particular, has been at the forefront of tidal energy development, with several projects underway, including the MeyGen tidal array in the Pentland Firth, Scotland, which is one of the largest tidal energy projects in the world.
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One of the most promising developments in tidal energy is the use of advanced materials and technologies to improve efficiency and reduce costs. For example, researchers are exploring the use of advanced composites and coatings to reduce corrosion and extend the lifespan of tidal energy turbines. Others are working on developing more efficient turbine designs that can capture more energy from the tidal flows.
Another area of research is the development of smaller, more modular tidal energy systems that can be deployed in smaller, more manageable sizes. These systems, known as “tidal stream generators,” can be installed in shallower waters and are more suitable for smaller-scale applications, such as powering coastal communities or island grids.
While tidal energy still has a long way to go before it becomes a mainstream source of renewable power, the progress being made is encouraging. As the world continues to transition towards a low-carbon economy, tidal energy is likely to play an increasingly important role in the global energy mix. And, with the right investment and innovation, it could become a tidal wave of change in the fight against climate change.
