Tidal Power Plants

Term Paper # 101249

Computer and Technology
Environmental Studies
Geography

Tidal Power Plants

This paper identifies tidal power as an appropriate energy technology for the British Isles and other coastal regions.

2,094 words () | 2 sources | APA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper explores how the United Kingdom can use tidal energy to produce consistent alternative electricity. The paper looks at the two basic options for converting the kinetic energy of the tides into electrical energy. The paper examines the tidal power generation technology and the capital costs necessary and then considers the environmental impact represented by these tidal generation options.
The paper concludes that tidal power has the potential to provide a significant portion of the United Kingdom's energy needs.

Outline:
Introduction: Coastal UK and Tidal Power
Technical Considerations
Economics of Tidal Power
Environmental Impact of Tidal Power
Conclusions

From the Paper:

"Developing alternative energy technologies that are reliable and site-specific can be difficult. Because alternative energy systems typically rely on locally available energy resources, they are not applicable in all situations and all circumstances. It is important to consider the potential energy resources of a given region prior to selecting an energy technology for development. For instance, it would be foolish to suggest the use of solar technology in a predominantly cloudy region, or a hydroelectric facility for an area that only seasonally has running water. The most important first consideration is to consider the site, and then determine what is the most reliable, locally available energy resource."

Sample of Sources Used:

Tidal power. (n.d.). Renewables in Scotland. The University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. Retrieved December 8, 2006, from http://www.esru.strath.ac.uk/EandE/Web_sites/01-02/RE_info/Tidal%20Power.htm.
Webb, C. (2006, March). No longer treading water. Petroleum Economist, 73(3), p. 29.