Turning the Tide: How Ocean Waves Are Generating Clean Tidal Energy

The planet is electric. It is literally filled with ways for us to create renewable energy and power our lives. Not only can renewable energy provide us with electricity, but it can also help us move away from a dependence on fossil fuels. Our Power, Our Planet is the theme for Earth Day 2025, which carries a focus on “harnessing renewable energy to build a healthy, sustainable, equitable and prosperous future for us all.”

With this theme in mind, we are focusing our next few weeks on the different types of renewable energy options. This renewable energy series will take a look at the good, the bad, and the encouraging sides of each type of renewable energy. This week’s focus is on tidal energy as a renewable energy source.

Why Tidal Energy is the Future

I’ve been lucky enough to live by the ocean my entire life. Growing up on the west coast of Canada means the ocean is near and dear to me. It also means that I am very aware of the power that lies within the ocean. This week’s renewable energy topic of Tidal Energy is fascinating to me because I can see both the potential success of such a renewable energy source and also the potential harms of exploring it.

With the ocean covering over 70% of the Earth’s surface, there is a lot of area potential for tidal energy sources. As a low-emission alternative to fossil fuels, tidal power could play a crucial role in reaching goals of net-zero emissions. Since tides follow lunar cycles, tidal energy is actually incredibly reliable as well. This is a newer energy source that is not in as much use as other renewable energies like hydro and solar.

From Nature to Your Home: The Science Behind Tidal Energy

Tidal energy is a form of renewable energy that converts the natural rise and fall of ocean tides into electricity. The movement of ocean tides is caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. Since this gravitational pull is consistent, tidal patterns are highly predictable, which makes tidal energy a very reliable energy source. In fact, it is said that tidal energy patterns can be predicted hundreds of years in advance.

Some methods for generating tidal energy are:

1. Tidal barrages – these are dam-like structures that capture water at high tide and release it through turbines as the tide falls;
2. Tidal stream systems – these use underwater turbines placed in fast-moving tidal currents, similar to how wind turbines operate;
3. Tidal kites – these are turbines that are tethered to the ocean floor and “fly” in the currents;
4. Tidal lagoons – these lagoons enclose a section of coastline and generate power as tides flow in and out.

Check out the video below for a quick look at how tidal energy works.

Why Tidal Energy is a Better Option for the Planet

Tidal energy has a number of advantages and is a beneficial choice for our planet.

Here are 10 reasons why:

1. Tidal Energy is a renewable resource–as long as the tides are moving, there is the potential to generate energy.

2. Tidal Energy is a highly predictable energy source–high and low tides are caused by gravitational pulls that are highly predicable and rarely vary, making tidal energy highly predictable as well.

3. Tidal Energy produces far less emissions than burning fossil fuels–reducing dependence on fossil fuels is essential for combatting climate change.

4. Tidal Energy production is highly efficient–since water is incredibly dense, tidal energy production is more efficient than other sources like wind energy.

5. Tidal Energy installations occupy less space than other energy types–large power plants are not necessary for tidal energy production making tidal energy more space efficient.

6. Tidal barges and lagoons can help protect coastlines–habitats and communities can be protected from rising sea levels by tidal barges and lagoons according to some researchers at Lancaster University.

7. There is minimal visual pollution from tidal energy installations since they are largely submerged under water.

8. Tidal Energy can help contribute to energy security by diversifying the energy types we rely on.

9. Tidal Energy can stimulate local economic development and provide employment opportunities.

10. Tidal Energy plants can last a long time with proper maintenance–some projections have these stations lasting 75-100 years.

The Latest Challenges and Breakthroughs in Tidal Energy

Tidal energy is full of promise, but it is also an emerging technology that has some challenges. One major challenge is the infrastructure because building durable systems that can withstand the powerful, corrosive marine environment isn’t cheap or simple.

Innovations are constantly being created and explored. One such innovation is floating tidal platforms that are said to be easier to deploy and maintain. Companies like Orbital Marine Power have developed turbines that generate up to 2 MW from a single floating unit. These systems can be anchored without massive underwater construction, cutting both costs and environmental impact.

While energy storage remains an industry-wide concern, predictability makes tidal energy advantageous as its output can be forecasted years in advance.

Tidal energy will continue to experience ups and downs as the technology continues to be developed, but it has shown a lot of promise so far.

The Impact of Tidal Energy Around the World

Tidal energy is being used all around the world. Some of the top tidal energy producers globally are South Korea, France, and the United Kingdom.

Here is a quick look at these countries and some of their power stations:

1. South Korea

The Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Station is located in Gyeonggi Province and is the world’s largest tidal power installation. Commissioned in 2011, it has a capacity of 254 megawatts (MW).

2. France

The Rance Tidal Power Station, situated on the Rance River estuary in Brittany, was the first tidal power station in the world. Operational since 1966, it has a capacity of 240 MW.

3. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has several tidal energy projects, with a combined installed capacity of approximately 139 MW. Among these projects is the MeyGen project in Scotland, which is said to be the world’s largest tidal stream power project.

How to Advocate for Clean Energy

Supporting tidal energy and other clean energy sources is crucial for a sustainable future. Here’s how you can make an impact:

1. Educate Yourself and Others – Understanding the benefits of tidal energy, such as reliability and low emissions, allows you to advocate effectively. Sharing facts with friends or on social media can help increase awareness and inspire change.
2. Encourage Policy Support – Contact local representatives to push for investment in renewable infrastructure and energy storage solutions.
3. Reduce Energy Waste – Using energy-efficient appliances, turning off unused lights, and choosing green energy providers helps to decrease reliance on fossil fuels.
4. Support Renewable Energy-Friendly Companies – Many corporations are investing in renewable energy credits or sourcing power from renewable sources. Supporting these businesses sends a strong message.
5. Explore Local Renewable Energy Programs – Some places allow residents to opt into renewable energy based utility plans. Check with your provider!

A Renewable Future Starts With Us

Tidal energy is just one piece of the broader renewable energy puzzle, but it is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we look to nature for solutions. As technology evolves, clean and reliable energy is becoming more than just a goal—it’s a growing reality. And this reality gives hope for a sustainable future!

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