Tidal Energy

Tidal energy is a form of hydropower that converts the energy of the tides into electricity or other useful forms of power.

Why is it so good?

• Its completely renewable.
• It is predictable.
• Effective at slow speeds
• Long life Spans

The moon

The tide is created by the gravitational effect of the sun and the moon on the earth causing cyclical movement of the seas.

History

Year 619

Tide mills

Rance Estuary

18th Century

Examples

Hydro-Electric

Tidal barrages

Uses in the world

Japan

Untitled Slide

America

Economic

The methods used for generating electricity from tidal energy are relatively new technologies. It is projected that tidal power will be commercially profitable around 2020 with better technology and larger scales.

Generation

11-12 cents per kWh
Being sold for 6-9 cents
due to government subsidies.

700 TWh

Political/Social

Lack of Government Support

• Nova Scotia announced ComFIT program to assist financial matters
• Feed-in Tariff program proposes tidal tariff of 78 cents/kWh

Jurisdiction

• Bay of Fundy in Canada
• Provincial issue
• Nova Scotia vs New Brunswick
• Government issue if...

Environmental (pt. 1)

• Requires manipulation of the environment, which does affect the native and marine wildlife in the area.

Enviornmental (pt. 2)

• Tidal barrages relies on manipulation of the oceans and therefore potentially have the environmental effects similar to those of hydroelectric dams.

Growth

Market value in 2013 worth US $25 and in 2020 it is anticipated to be worth US $10.1 billion

Canada's Race Rocks site, where a single turbine generator produces 65 kW of energy cost $4,000,000

Questions?