🏭CommercialRenewable Energy • Hydro/Tidal

Tidal Energy Generation

Tidal energy systems harness predictable ocean tides to generate electricity through underwater turbines or tidal barrages, providing 12-16 hours of power generation daily with 85% capacity factors. These systems can generate 1-254 MW^[1] per installation with 25+ year operational lifespans. Projects like MeyGen in Scotland and Sihwa Lake in South Korea demonstrate commercial viability with costs targeting $0.15-0.25 per kWh.

How It Works

Tidal stream turbines operate underwater using horizontal or vertical axis designs to capture kinetic energy from flowing tidal currents. Tidal barrages use dams across estuaries with turbines in sluice gates generating power during tidal flow. Tidal lagoons create artificial pools that fill and empty with tides driving turbines for electricity generation. Advanced designs include floating tidal platforms and oscillating water column systems.

Advantages

Provides highly predictable renewable energy with tidal cycles known years in advance, generates power for 12-16 hours daily compared to intermittent solar and wind, and has minimal visual impact with underwater installations. Tidal systems have very long operational lifespans exceeding 100 years for civil works. The technology requires no fuel and produces no emissions during operation.

Challenges

Limited to coastal areas with sufficient tidal range typically >4 meters, faces very high capital costs of $3,000-8,000 per kW, and requires complex underwater installation and maintenance. Environmental concerns include impacts on marine ecosystems and sediment transport. Limited global resource compared to wind and solar energy potential.