Why is there limited use of tidal energy?
1 Answer
Large tidal heights and/or tidal flows are needed to power electrical generators - and they aren't common.
Explanation:
Tidal energy is the conversion of oceanic tides into useable electric energy.
In order to convert tides into energy, there needs to be some way for those tides to push or turn rotors - which is how electric power is generated.
So there needs to be either a huge difference in the tidal level or the tides themselves need to push huge amounts of water in such a way that the water can turn the rotors. And there aren't many places that have either factor.
Factoring in the huge cost of building facilities that can convert tides into electrical energy is another barrier to its widespread use.
However, technology continues to develop, making smaller tide height differentials and smaller tidal flows available for conversion to electricity.
