Tidal power captures the movement of the water generated by tides. This is sustainable energy source with a huge unused potential. Tidal power will be among the renewable energy sources growing more in the next decade according to the expert’s reports.
Low tide in the sea shore. Picture from Prachanart Viriyaraks (Flickr)
This type of energy has many advantages; it is considered a clean, green, silent and sustainable source of energy. The use of tidal power plants can generate big amounts of energy in a very efficient and unlimited way due to the constant occurrence of tides in  certain locations. Tidal power does not produce greenhouse gases so that it can be used to reduce the global greenhouse emissions by replacing the conventional generation of energy with fossil fuels. Another advantage compared to many other renewable energy sources is that the price of the electricity obtained is substantially lower compared with other sources of energy.
The major disadvantage is without any doubt the installation impact produced in the environment. Before construction of the tidal power plants a detailed study should be issued to understand if the amount of energy obtained with the power plant could compensate the impact caused. Through the experience with big tidal power plants in operation for more than 50 years (Rance Power Plant in France) the impact caused has been investigated and nowadays it can be minimised with a complete environmental impact study.
The spread of tidal power plants all over the world (biggest are in South Korea, France and Canada) shows that this technology is developed and ready to be used even more.
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