7B+Tidal+Power

= Tidal Power =

//By:// Junnosuke Takahashi //and// Zaineen Karim
Tidal power or tidal energy is a process of generating electricity using the rising and falling of tides. This method of generating electricity is one of the ways that has the least environmental impact.
 * __Introduction__**

Tidal power, also known as wave power, is a form of energy extracted from the movement of tides or waves. Tidal power works from the power of changing tides caused by the magnetic and gravitational pull of the moon. As shown below a tidal barrage, or a large dam, is built on a river estuary. The barrage has sluice gates and when they're opened, tides flow in and that spins a turbine. The force created by the spinning turbine creates electricity. Tidal energy is not very widely used yet, only about 1% of the worlds energy comes from tidal power, but it is starting to become more used in coastal regions such as France, China, Russia, and South Korea. Currently, there are no countries in Africa that uses tidal energy, but there is a possibility that a tidal power plant might be potential in South Africa because they have huge coastlines, bays, and lagoons and can create a lot of energy.
 * __How Does It Work?__**
 * __How Widespread Is It?__**

The amount of electricity created, and how much it costs to make one all depends on the size of the power station. If the power station creates more megawatts of electricity, it sends out more to the world, and the price to build a barrage depends on how big and efficient a power station is. Right now, the world's largest tidal power plant is located in South Korea, called the Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Plant, and it creates 254 megawatts in ten hours and it cost $250 million to build.
 * __How Efficient Is It?__**

__**Benefits and Drawbacks of Tidal Energy**__ __Benefits__ __Drawbacks__
 * Produces no greenhouse gases or other waste.
 * Tides are totally predictable.
 * Uses no fuel.
 * It may be expensive but it is worth it because it can
 * Tidal Power Stations are expensive and takes a long time to build.
 * Can only generate electricity when the tides are coming in and out.
 * Fish can't migrate and get pass through unless "fish ladders" are built.
 * Creates bulge in ocean=increases sea level which can end up flooding upstream areas.

__**Roles in the Future**__

We think tidal power would be more widespread in the future because it doesn't destroy the earth and it is very predictable and consistent. It may cost a lot to build a power station, but after that it will give out free energy for anyone. It also lasts long so the money would be worth it. Tidal power also has a big potential for future electricity generation because of the massive size of the oceans. Ian Bryden of the Institute for Energy Systems, from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland also predicts that by the next decade, a big development will be made ([]). Tidal power can give the whole world free electricity anywhere anytime.

__**Bibliography**__ @http://www.icit.hw.ac.uk/student_project/sweyn4.htm @http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10364_52259_19092-46291--,00.html @http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/images/south-korea-to-build-worlds-largest-tidal-power-plant-31016/31018 @http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=14416&title=NI+pioneers+tidal+power+generator
 * __@http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tidal_power__**
 * __@http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sihwa_Lake_Tidal_Power_Station__**
 * __http://inventors.about.com/‌od/‌tstartinventions/‌a/‌tidal_power.htm__**
 * __@http://www.oceanenergycouncil.com/index.php/Tidal-Energy/Tidal-Energy.html__**
 * __@http://www.darvill.clara.net/altenerg/tidal.htm__**
 * __Pictures__**
 * __@http://refuelingthefuture.yolasite.com/tidal-power.php__**