Would you object to a tidal barrage in an estuary near you?
Tidal Power
Every day the gravitational pull of the moon causes tides, and in some places such as estuaries the tides are funneled so that they become much more powerful. In some places this power can be harnessed by tidal barrages. These barrages do not need to be dams, so although they are not as powerful, they may have far fewer detrimental effects than dams. The turbines can be mounted on freestanding columns. There is also the possibility of placing submerged turbines in strong tidal currents in channels.
They do have some detrimental effects on the tide level, though, which can affect the local wildlife.
There are tidal barrages on the Rance Estuary in France (built in 1966) and in the former Soviet Union, Canada and China. The large initial cost has kept the number of barrages down, however.
Tidal power is not available to all countries, but it is renewable, and in some areas could make a significant contribution to a country's energy needs. Tidal barrages can only provide energy for about 10 hours a day, but the tides are at least predictable, unlike the sun and wind. Tidal energy produces no greenhouse gases or other waste and needs no fuel. Once initial costs are paid off, it is cheap to run.
Recent news stories involving tidal power include:
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Would you object to a tidal barrage in an estuary near you?
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