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What Is Tidal Energy?

Tidal power, also known as tidal energy, is generated by transforming the energy of the tides into useable types of energy, primarily electricity, through a variety of methods. Tidal energy has the potential to provide electricity in the future, despite its lack of widespread application. The wind and the sun are less reliable than the tides.

Introduction

The intensity of the water from the rise and fall of tides is a sort of kinetic energy, and tidal energy is created by the movement of our tides and seas. Tidal power surrounds gravitational hydropower, which uses the movement of water to push a turbine to generate electricity. The turbines are similar to wind turbines, except that they are immersed in water.

Tidal streams, barrages, and lagoons are three available techniques to generate tidal power. However, as we wait for tidal energy to become more cost-effective, there are a few other ways to harvest tidal energy, as shown in the video below.

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What Are The Advantages Of Tidal Energy?

Due to gravitational forces, tides are predictable and consistent in their energy output. Engineers can build more efficient systems if they only have to consider the low or high tide.

Tidal energy will become more affordable and efficient as technology progresses.

Due to the rock armour's stability under various design conditions, it protects against coastal flooding. Storm surges and waves can be absorbed by tidal lagoons once every 500 years.

Tidal power equipment and infrastructure can endure much longer and be more cost-effective than other renewable technologies. Developments are made for future sea-level rises with a 120-year asset life.

What Is Stopping Us From Making The Most Of Tidal Energy?

Construction of tidal power plants is now prohibitively expensive due to the large capital requirements.

Environmental difficulties, particularly with tidal barrages, include habitat change.

Equipment maintenance and repair might be difficult.

Demand for energy is limited. Because powerful tides only occur 10 hours a day on average, tidal energy storage capacity must be constructed.

It's difficult to bring tidal energy to coastal areas since the tides' energy is typically a long way from where the electricity will be consumed inland.

Tidal Energy In India

Evaluating The Tidal Energy Potential

The theoretical potential of tidal energy is 12.5 gigawatts. The aforesaid potential does not always imply that it can be realistically used.

Cost Of Tidal Power Plant

Two tidal power plants were shut down in the past because of high cost. The plants include

(I) a 3.75 megawatt (MW) plant in West Bengal (costing Rs 63.5 crore per MW)

(II) a 50 megawatt (MW) facility in Gujarat (had cost of Rs 15 crore per MW).

It was suggested that the centra; government reevaluate the current cost of tidal power to establish its long-term economic feasibility and benefits.

Implementing A Tidal Power Pilot Project

Tidal energy is not part of India's renewable energy target of 175 gigawatts for 2022. However the note from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy's proposal stated that all renewable energy sources will be eligible for the 2030 target. It was suggested that the central government establish a tidal power pilot project. A cost-effective location, such as the Gulf of Kutch, should be chosen for the project.

The Impact Of A Tidal Power Plant On The Environment

There is no study on the environmental and ecological consequences of a tidal power plant. The power plants have the potential to have a substantial environmental impact both upstream and downstream. It was suggested that t he central government should evaluate the environmental impact and ecological viability of a tidal power plant.

Research And Development

It was highlighted that the central government has made no investments in the development of tidal power. It was also noted that in recent years, the funds provided to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy or research and development have been drastically cut at the revised stage. In these years, the Ministry was unable to fully utilize even the lower sum (2017-20).

It was recommended that the central government not slash research funding. Untapped energy sources, such as tidal energy, should receive major support from the central government