Thoughts - Tidal Energy?

[GreenBGOak629]

What are people's thoughts on tidal energy? Is it a valuable alternative energy resource that has not been fully tapped? Or is it a pipe dream that should be dismissed?

[McGizmo]

The energy is there for certain but my guess is the challenge in converting the energy to electricity is not trivial. Water, especially salt water is not friendly to mechanical systems and especially ones where you want to minimize friction and have minimal maintenance. Someone the other day brought up submersed water mills that would use currents to drive them much like the air drives the new windmills. In some places, it would be the tides that bring these currents about and no doubt there is a lot of energy there to tap but effectively?!?

[Darell]

I actually managed to study exactly this in college. One of my more interesting courses, though I barely passed. It was tough!

Anyway, I can't say it any better than Don. There are gobs of energy to be had in tidal movement... but doing anything in the sea is brutal on equipment. The maintenance costs would be significant. I think there are easier/cheaper ways that are still even MORE untapped than tidal. Solar comes to mind. And wind.