As the world's non renewable energy sources begin to run out, tidal power could become very important for us to consider. By building barrages and dams across some rivers ,it will allow the tide to ebb and flow. As the water moves through these relatively small pipes, the power of the movement pushes turbines, which in turn power huge electrical generators. However, this process can end up changing the ecosystem greatly,owing to the dams of water it creates. Many countries oppose Tidal Barrages because of these changes to the ecosystem. Animals like certain birds, fish, and other species could end up becoming extinct for several miles. However, barrages could also help protect the shoreline from floods and storms and they do not pollute the environment with chemicals or greenhouse gasses the way fossil fuels do.
The good thing about tidal power is that you can predict it and rely upon it. As the tide ebbs and flows at certain times of the day, operators know exactly how much power will be generated and when. However. a tidal power plan can only generate electricity for ten hours a day, the barrages being built of course, when the tide is out. It requires little upkeep and no fuel or energy to run and overall, it is a very dependable and consistent source of energy.
More research is needed for Tidal Power to become efficient, the main problem being the limitations on the number of sites that there can be plants. Furthermore, it could not be considered as an incredibly strong source of power owing mainly to the 14 hour down-time. However, it can be free and the power source is renewable. So, on balance it could make a good alternative to fossil fuels that is cheep and cost effective but the effects upon the ecosystem would have to be taken into consideration and concurrently, the possibility that it may only be a good option for some countries.
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