Tidal Power
Tidal power converts the kinetic energy within the mass of moving water into electricity. This includes underwater currents which tend to be tidal. This energy can be harnessed to generate electricity. Unlike electricity from wind power, tidal power is predictable and reliable.
Tidal streams passing through the tidal stream generators use the kinetic energy in the water to operate turbines which generate the electricity.
Tidal energy is the result of the moon's gravitational effect on the mass of the oceans. There are other factors affecting tidal movements but the effect of the moon is the major one.
Tidal barrages
Tidal barrages are built across a channel in order to force the tidal waters to flow through the turbines as the tides ebb and flow. The presence of waves is not a factor in generating electricity from tidal movements - see wave energy for more information.
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