Tidal energy is on the rise with these innovations

Oceans cover over two thirds of our planet’s surface. The energy contained in the oceans has tremendous potential, including in the form of waves and tides. These sources have an estimated 337 GW. New technologies and projects represent a significant opportunity for renewable energy development in several countries.

The basics of tidal energy:

Tidal power is created using a head difference between two bodies of water. To create this difference, a wall separates the two water bodies. As the tide flows in or out, the wall blocks the flow of the tide and generates this head difference. When the head difference has reached the optimum design level, the water is forced to pass through holes in the wall, where turbines are placed to generate power. Since two tidal cycles occur per day, this head difference develops four times each day (in one cycle, the tide comes in and out).

Turbines convert the water energy into mechanical energy, and then into electricity by means of an electric generator as seen in the video below.