Examination of tidal power as a viable source of renewable energy: the hurtles of cost, location and installation and the longevity factors.

• The tidal power pros and cons should be considered carefully, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of other energy sources


• There are many sources of renewable energy in addition to tidal energy, and a combination of these may be needed to meet the increasing energy demands of the world


• Tidal power is very clean and efficient, but there are some disadvantages as well

Tidal power pros and cons must be evaluated, and compared to the pros and cons of other energy sources, to determine which ones are the best for the earth and the environment, as well as being the most effective at meeting the global demand for power. The tides ebb and flow, and this is caused by the gravitational pull of the moon, and to a lesser degree the sun, on the earth. Unlike the wind and sun, the tides can be predicted, and they occur at regular intervals twice every single day. This means any shortage in supply can be prevented, and these shortages can cause brownouts and blackouts because there is too much demand. Tidal power pros and cons should be carefully considered against every other alternate renewable energy source, as well as all the fossil fuels, so that the best choice can be made. Another benefit of tidal energy is the fact that this process does not emit greenhouse gases or particle pollution, which fossil fuels like oil and coal do, which can have a devastating effect on the environment and all living things on the planet. There is no mining or drilling involved either, which can rip up large chunks of the earth or poison the seas.

One of the tidal power pros and cons when this energy source is compared to solar power is that tidal power plants must be located in a very specific location, one that meets all of the needed requirements. There must be a significant tidal flow of water through the area to turn the equipment. Nova Scotia and France are the two countries which have successfully developed and built these facilities so far. Solar power simply requires photo voltaic panels that are installed, and the sun to be shining. Tidal power pros and cons does show that this source does outperform solar energy because it can consistently supply energy at predictable times and levels. With solar energy, if the day is overcast or there is a storm brewing and many clouds fill the sky, it may not be possible to generate the electricity needed to meet consumer demand. Energy from the tides is more consistent than solar or wind power, but geothermal heat can also supply what is needed without polluting the environment or hurting the population. Geothermal energy requires very strict specifications, and there are a limited number of places where these facilities are even possible.

Tidal power pros and cons when compared to biomass are mixed. Biomass programs can include municipal waste to energy programs, which will clean up the garbage which litters the earth and waters, as well as all other organic material which is discarded or not used. Algae and fungus species, as well as plants, trees, and other materials, can also be used to generate biofuels and electricity. Many of theses processes have greenhouse gas emissions though, including carbon and methane among others, and tidal energy generation does not have these emissions or pollution present. Some biomass, including trees and plants, absorb some carbon and help filter the air while growing, so this does help offset any emissions from the biomass. Biomass is very flexible, with a large number of feedstocks available that can be modified depending on the location. This is not true of renewable power that is supplied by the tides. The future of energy does not necessarily lie in one specific alternative renewable energy source, but rather in a blend of different sources which will allow for flexibility. Once the tidal power pros and cons are evaluated against all other possible sources, it quickly becomes apparent that the tides will be one place where energy will be generated much more abundantly as technology advances.

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