What is Tidal Power Generator

1 year ago
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Tidal Power Generator
The power produced by tides as they move in and out can be used to generate power, as the ancient Romans were well aware. Similar to a hydroelectric dam, a barrier is erected across a tidal basin. As the tide rises, water enters the basin, where it spins turbines and generates power. There are some environmental impacts that need to be addressed, such as silt buildup and reduced tidal flow, but the potential these generators provide as a clean source of energy is amazing, with an estimated 80 percent efficiency. The technology is expensive to implement, though. France is the only country currently using it on a large scale (one plant in France can provide power to 240,000 homes), and the hope is that more countries will follow. There's one requirement there must be an increase of at least 16 feet between low tide and high tide in order for a tidal power generator to work.

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