Tidal energy is a renewable source that is obtained through the movement of sea water. Its technological principle for energy generation is based on tide mills.
When the tide rises, it triggers the opening of the gates of the plant and allows the entry of water that will pass through some turbines that transform the kinetic energy of the water into electricity.
Here we present the importance of tidal energy in industry, for life, for the environment and as renewable energy.
Importance of tidal energy for living beings
This type of energy is totally clean, because it does not produce any toxic or harmful chemical elements for living beings, rather it helps to limit the use of energies that are based on the use of fossil fuels.
Importance of tidal energy for humans
Frequently this type of energy is used for the energy supply in coastal towns that are far away or where the transfer of electricity is expensive, so it is very useful for humans.
Importance for nature and the ecosystem
For its generation it does not release any type of negative emissions to nature, rather it helps to reduce the environmental impact produced by fossil fuel-based energies.
Nor does this type of energy produce greenhouse gas emissions, in addition to not occupying a large geographical area for its processing.
Importance as renewable energy and in electricity
Tidal energy is renewable, because it comes from the tides of large bodies of water such as the sea and oceans, so it will always be available for energy use.
It is also a predictable and manageable energy source. The forces of the tides are totally predictable and having full knowledge of the cycles can manage the construction of systems and the available energy power.
Another point in their favor is that they are efficient at low speeds, since water has 1000 times more density than air, which makes it possible to generate electricity at a speed well below average.
Its useful life is long-standing, for example the tidal power plant in France has been in force since 1966, producing a large amount of energy for this Nation.
Importance of tidal energy for agriculture
It has always been used for energy production on a smaller scale, that is, to provide energy for agriculture, especially through tidal mills used for processing grains such as wheat.
Importance of tidal energy in construction
This energy source proposes new techniques for the use of sea water.
In this sense, the installation of the plants constitutes great engineering and work challenges to accomplish this task. The construction industry must resolve with tenacity and strength.
Importance of tidal energy in the economy of countries
Not all nations are apt to produce electricity through tidal energy, since certain topographical and maritime conditions are needed on their coasts for the development of tidal power plants.
However, there are already countries with plants that take advantage of its energy: Canada, France, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Argentina, New Zealand and Denmark.
One of the most important plants is that of Sihwa, located in South Korea, which has been producing since 2011.
This plant can supply electricity to more than half a million homes, generating 254,000 kW per day and It supposes a general saving in its production and payment for consumption.
Another example of a large-scale efficient plant is the Rance plant in France with a production capacity of 240,000 kW per day and generates electricity for 45% of the population in Brittany.