Question

(a) Explain how tidal energy can used to generate electricity?
(b) Why is tidal energy not likely to be a potential source of energy?

Answer 1

(a) The power of the rise and fall of the sea level (high tide and low tide) can be harnessed to generate electricity. During high tide, when the level of water in the sea is high, sea water flows from the sea into a reservoir at a dam and turns turbines. The turbines then turn generators to produce electricity. During low tide, when the level of sea water is low, the sea water stored in the dam reservoir is allowed to flow out into the sea. This also turns the turbines and produces electricity.

(b) Tidal energy is not likely to be a potential source of energy for the following reasons.

1. The rise and fall of sea water during high and low tides are not enough to generate electricity on a large scale.
2. Very few sites are suitable for building tidal dams.