TECHNOLOGY FOR CHANGE

Tidal Power: The Best Alternative Energy Technology?

Dave Greenfield | Date: 12-22-10 | Comments

Tidal power is often overlooked as an alternative energy source. But, compared with wind and solar power, it offers some key benefits.

Much has been made of options such as solar and wind power these days, but tidal power is a frequently overlooked alternative energy source. Some scientists, however, suggest it is the most viable source of energy to power our ever-growing society.

While it may not be a viable player in every market around the world, the tides have long been recognized as a potential source to power our changing economy, and many ocean-side towns are now seeing it as the best way to spend alternative energy dollars. It presents a number of distinct advantages other potential sources simply don't, and that has more cities and states looking to this powerhouse to help reduce carbon footprints around the globe.

One of the most important benefits this energy source presents is its level of predictability. Both wind and solar power are great resources, but if the weather pattern changes or too many cloudy days occur within the pattern, serious gaps can occur within the service. It's one of the many challenges researchers are attempting to overcome, but tidal power is different. As the Earth rotates, the gravitational pull of both the moon and the sun on the oceans shifts. The constant change in tide levels around the Earth create powerful, regular currents, and as the tide goes in and out each day, the power of those currents can be converted into the energy we so desperately need. There's no worry about shifting weather patterns or too few sunny days when it comes to tidal power. The natural pace of the day is all that's required to harness this amazing source of energy.

The other real benefit is the cost involved. Most experts estimate that the technology necessary to harness this resource is extensively cheaper than the materials necessary to move forward with any other alternative energy source, and that's the real pull for struggling city and state economies around the world.

The only real drawback is the lack of technology in the area. Because this is one of the most underdeveloped alternative energy technologies, companies in the area have quite a bit of catching up to do. Ensuring the technology is in place to both create the level of power necessary to make this enterprise profitable and keep the oceans safe while doing so is key to watching tidal power develop in the future.