Discover the operation, advantages and challenges of tidal energy

  • Tidal energy is predictable and clean, taking advantage of the rise and fall of the tides.
  • There are three main methods of generating this energy: current generators, tidal barrages and dynamic energy.
  • Large tidal energy centres are in operation in France and South Korea.

Tidal power station

In the world of renewable energy, some widely known sources stand out, such as solar and wind energy, but there are also other less known ones, such as Seawater energy. This type of renewable energy takes advantage of the ocean tides to convert the movement of the waters into electricity. To do this, a tidal power station, which is where the transformation of the kinetic energy of the tides into electrical energy takes place.

In this article, you will find out what a tidal power station, how it works, its features, advantages and disadvantages, as well as the current state of this technology in the world.

Tidal energy

Tidal energy

The oceans have enormous energy potential that can be transformed into electricity using different technologies. According to the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE), there are several types of marine energy:

  • Energy from ocean currents: It is based on harnessing the kinetic energy of ocean currents to generate electricity, in a similar way to how wind turbines work.
  • Wave energy: Also known as wave power, it takes advantage of the mechanical energy of the movement of waves.
  • Ocean thermal energy: It is obtained from the difference in temperatures between the surface water and the depths of the ocean.
  • Seawater energy: It takes advantage of the ebb and flow of sea water, caused by the gravitational action of the sun and the moon, to generate electrical energy using turbines.

Among them all, the Seawater energy It stands out for its predictability. Tides are periodic and predictable natural phenomena, which allow for an accurate estimate of when electricity can be generated.

Tidal power station

tides and renewable energy

A tidal power station This is where tidal movement is converted into electrical energy. There are several methods to achieve this, each with its own particular characteristics:

Tidal current generators

The Tidal Stream Generators (TSG) They are generators that use the kinetic energy of moving water, similar to the operation of wind turbines. This method is more economical and has a reduced environmental impact compared to other systems.

Tidal dams

Tidal barrages harness the potential water energy that arises from the difference in level between high and low tide. They function as enormous barriers with turbines, generally built at the entrance to bays or lagoons. Despite their high cost and the environmental impact they generate, they are capable of producing energy on a constant basis.

Dynamic tidal energy

This method is in the theoretical phase and combines the two previous ones. Known as Dynamic Tidal Power (DTP), is based on harnessing both the kinetic and potential energy of tidal flows, through the construction of large dams that induce different tidal phases and mobilize their turbines.

Operation of the tidal power plant

Operation of a tidal power station

The operation of a tidal power station It is based on the principles of kinetic and potential energy, taking advantage of the movement of water that rises and falls with the tides. They are generally located at the mouths of rivers or bays, where dams with turbines at the base are built.

The reservoir created by the dam is filled at high tide and emptied at low tide. As the water passes through the turbines, they generate electricity due to the movement of their blades. The energy conversion process depends largely on the difference in height between high and low tide: only in places where this difference is at least 5 meters (according to IDAE) is the construction of a dam feasible. tidal power station.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of tidal energy

La Seawater energy offers several advantages and disadvantages that should be considered. Below we highlight some of the most important aspects:

Advantages

  • It is a source of energy cleaning that does not produce greenhouse gases or other pollutants.
  • The tides are inexhaustible and predictable, ensuring a constant source of energy.
  • It does not require additional fuel as it is generated solely by the natural movement of water.
  • Its maintenance is relatively low, with a Long useful life (more than 75 years in some cases).

Disadvantages

  • High installation cost: The construction of dams and other infrastructure is considerably expensive.
  • Visual and ecological impact: Tidal dams can alter the landscape and affect local ecosystems, such as seabirds or aquatic species.
  • It is a viable option only in geographical areas where the difference between high and low tides is significant.

Despite these drawbacks, tidal energy remains a promising option in the field of renewable energy, with considerable potential in specific coastal regions.

Current status of tidal energy worldwide

Since 1966, when the first tidal power plant was inaugurated in La Rance, France, technology has advanced, although it still represents a small fraction of global renewable energy. Countries such as South Korea, Canada and United Kingdom They have already built important tidal power plants, and the Strait of Gibraltar has been identified as a location with great potential in Spain.

Some notable facilities worldwide include:

  • Mutriku, Spain: Although it is often classified as tidal, it actually uses wave energy.
  • Sihwa Lake, South Korea: This plant is the largest in the world, with a capacity of 254 MW.
  • La Rance, France: The first tidal power plant ever built, in operation since 1966, still generates around 240 MW.
  • MayGen Project, Scotland: With a projected capacity of up to 398 MW, it is one of the most promising developments in tidal energy.

With technological developments and the potential offered by renewable energies, tidal energy is likely to continue to develop in the near future, allowing for greater participation in the global energy mix.


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