Advantages and disadvantages of tidal energy

Advantages of tidal energy

• It is pollution free.
• It greenhouse rate greenhouse gases or solid wastes.
• It is inexhaustible and independent of rain.
• Tides are more predictable than wind.
• It a does not require a large area of valuable land as is located on sea shore or tidal basin.

Disadvantages of tidal energy

• For practical use, the difference in sea level between high and low tide should be at least 4 meters.
• The salinity of seawater has a corrosive effect on the machinery installed.
• The capital cost of the plant is high and construction in sea or estuaries are difficult.
• Power transmission cost is high and use of tidal energy on small scale is not feasible.
• Tidal power plant hampers other uses of fishing, aquaculture and navigation.