Tidal Energy

Published on 07 Apr 2025

Tidal energy is a renewable energy that harnesses the kinetic energy of ocean tides and currents to generate electricity. It is generated by capturing energy from the rising and falling tides or the flow of water in and out of estuaries and coastal areas as a result of the gravitational forces of the sun and the moon and the sun in the oceans.

Advantages of Tidal Energy

• Reliable: Tidal energy is more predictable than other forms of renewable energy, as tidal cycles can be accurately forecasted and the factors influencing them are more or less constant.

• Example: Tidal steam Generator of UK

• High Energy Density: Tidal energy has a high energy density, that is, it provides a larger amount of electricity with relatively small units.

• Low Environmental Impact: Compared to fossil fuel-based power generation, tidal energy generating emits fewer greenhouse gases and has a smaller environmental impact.

• Long Lifespan: Tidal energy systems can have a long operational lifespan with proper maintenance.

• Example: The lifespan of a tidal energy plant is estimated to be between 75 and 100 years, which exceeds the expected lifespan of a nuclear power plant.

• Energy Independence: By diversifying the energy mix and lowering dependency on imported fossil fuels, tidal energy can improve energy security.

Disadvantages of Tidal Energy

• Geographic Limitation: Tidal energy is only viable in locations with strong tidal currents or significant tidal range such as the Gulf of Kutch and the Gulf of Khambhat regions and cannot be adopted universally. 

• Economic Viability: The construction of infrastructure for tidal energy is expensive, particularly for tidal barrages and tidal lagoons.

• Environmental Impact: Tidal barrages and lagoons impact local ecosystems and fish migration patterns. 

• Example: Turbines in the Bay of Fundy put delicate ecosystem at risk

• Maintenance Challenges: Due to their exposure to severe maritime environments, such as biofouling, sediment erosion, and corrosion, tidal turbines need routine maintenance and downtime.

• Intermittency: Tidal energy generation is intermittent and depends on tidal cycles, resulting in periods of little or no power output during low tide.

Government initiatives and policy measures

• Gujarat Tidal Energy Project:  The government of Gujarat has identified the Gulf of Kutch and the Gulf of Khambhat as potential sites for tidal energy projects. It is focused on exploring the feasibility of deploying tidal energy technologies in these regions.

• National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT): An autonomous body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, conducts research and development activities related to ocean energy, including tidal energy potential along the Indian coastline.

International initiatives

• Enabling Future Arrays in Tidal (EnFAIT): EnFAIT aims to reduce the cost of tidal energy through technological advancements and operational efficiency.

• Ocean Energy Forum: The Ocean Energy Forum, of the European Commission, brings together different stakeholders including industry and policymakers, to support the development of ocean energy, including tidal and wave energy.

• Marine Renewables Canada: Marine Renewables Canada is a national association to promote the development and deployment of marine renewable energy technologies, including tidal energy, in Canada.

Way Forward

• Environmental Assessment: To reduce the ecological footprint of tidal energy projects and manage potential environmental concerns, conduct comprehensive environmental impact assessments and stakeholder engagements.

• Policy Support: Encourage investment in tidal energy projects by implementing supportive policies, incentives, and regulatory frameworks such as feed-in tariffs, tax credits, and expedited permitting processes.

• Technological Innovation: To advance tidal energy technology, lower costs, boost efficiency, and solve technical issues like grid integration and turbine reliability, research and development should be allocated.

• International Collaboration: Encourage cooperation among governments, industry stakeholders, and research institutions to share best practices, lessons gained, and technical experience in tidal energy development.

Case study

La Rance tidal power station in Brittany, France: The plant has produced over 27,000 GWh of electricity in its over five decades of operation.

Tags:
Environment

Keywords:
Renewable energy Tidal energy Ocean

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 3

Topics:
Environment and Climate Change