Tidal Energy

La Rance tidal power plantPlace : La Rance, France

What is Tidal Energy?•Harnessing energy from the rise and fall

of tides.•Two types of tidal plant facilities.

▫Tidal barrages▫Tidal current turbines

•Ideal sites : Narrow channels {experiences high variation in high and

low tides}

Tidal Barrage

• Utilizes potential energy

• Tidal barrages are typically dams built across an estuary or bay.

• Consist of turbines, sluice gates, embankments, and ship locks.

• One of the oldest methods of tidal power generation- from 1960’s

Tidal stream turbines

• Extracts kinetic energy from moving water generated by tides.

• Operate during flood and ebb tides.

• Consists of a rotor, gearbox, and a generator. These three parts are mounted onto a support structure. There are three main types:o Gravity structureo Piled structureo Floating structure

Pros and cons of both tidal power facilitiesTidal Barrages

Advantages• Mature technology that has been around for nearly 50 years.• Reliable energy source.

Disadvantages• High costs of construction• Environmental impacts on marine

life• Low power output in comparison to other energy source like coal and nuclear power plants

Tidal Current Turbines

Advantages Able to utilize both ebb and flood

tides. Tidal current turbines are not large

massive dam structure.Disadvantages Tidal current turbine technology is

young in its development. Installation and maintenance

challenges. Environmental impacts are still

being tested.

That’s all… Thank you